Cortisol Stress Test

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Cortisol Over Time (COT) Test

This test gives you an indication of how your lifestyle is affecting your long-term inner health. It works by tracking levels of cortisol that have been circulating inside your body and brain over several months.

Sample method: Hair (minimum of 1cm)

A Cortisol Over Time (COT) test is a ‘screening test’ that can be used to detect underlying adrenal problems and the effects of chronic stress on health. It works by assessing your average cortisol levels over the last 3 months.

A sample of hair is used for this test because it avoids having to take daily repeated samples over several months and is more accurate than blood, saliva and urine for testing your cortisol levels over time.

You will need to provide a hair sample that is a minimum 1cm in length.

Our COT test can help you manage your levels of stress and reduce your risk of long-term health problems.

Symptoms of low and high cortisol

• Recurrent illness
• Extreme fatigue
• Low energy
• Skin problems
• Difficulty conceiving
• Memory problems
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Low blood pressure, even fainting
• Salt craving
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle or joint pains
• Irritability
• Depression or other behavioural symptoms
• Body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women

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Who should take the test

Our Cortisol Over Time (COT) test assesses your cortisol levels over three months indicating if levels are too high or too low.

Abnormal cortisol levels are a sign of underlying adrenal problems and can increase your risk of future health problems.

You should take this test if:

• You are feeling stressed and run down
• You are trying to conceive
• You have recurrent infections and want to check immune function
• You want to improve your brain health
• You have symptoms of Cushing's syndrome
• You have symptoms of Addison's disease

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What this test can tell you

A COT test provides the most comprehensive assessment of cortisol levels and adrenal function. It can indicate whether chronic stress is affecting your health and future risk of illness and if you are likely to have an underlying endocrine health condition.

Abnormal cortisol levels can increase your risk of:

• Stress related health conditions
• Infectious diseases
• Heart disease
• Fertility problems
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia
• Endocrine diseases
• Skin problems

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How is this test different to other cortisol tests?

Unlike saliva, blood and urine cortisol tests which assess shortterm cortisol levels this test assesses cortisol levels over several months without the need for repeated tests. Providing a more accurate assessment of the effect of chronic stress on your health and future risk of illness.

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How it works

We make finding out simple. No blood. No needles. All from home. We just need a small sample of your hair!

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Frequently asked questions