A Complete Guide to Stress (Cortisol) Tests: Your Questions Answered

In the UK Meds guide to stress (cortisol tests) we will take a closer look at stress, cortisol, and the importance of stress testing. This article will answer questions you have about this topic, including what stress and cortisol are, what the common signs of stress are, what tests can tell you about your stress levels and the benefits of stress tests, as well as where you can purchase a reliable stress test.

What is stress?

According to the mental health charity Mind, stress is the body’s natural response to feeling under pressure or threatened. It usually occurs when you feel like you cannot manage or remain in control of the situation. Stress is not always a bad thing, the NHS states that a little bit of stress can actually be a good thing as it can help people to focus on certain situations and get things done when they need to. Stress can be caused by a number of different factors such as financial concerns, work pressure, or relationship issues, there is no definitive reason someone will become stressed and it will vary from person to person. 

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a very common natural hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex which is a part of the adrenal glands, according to the NHS. Cortisol plays a pivotal role in the body’s natural response to stress. When someone is stressed, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological, the adrenal glands release cortisol. The hormone helps to regulate stress, metabolism, and can also manage inflammation. It is believed that cortisol plays a vital role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. 

What are common signs of stress?

Stress can manifest itself in a number of different symptoms that will vary from person to person. The common signs of stress you can look out for include physical, emotional and behavioural indicators. When the body releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, it will cause different signs, according to the NHS.

Physically, you may notice your heart beating faster, you may sweat more, and your muscles may feel tense. Emotionally, you may feel anxious, irritable, or just in a general low mood. Behaviourally, you may find it difficult to sleep, your appetite may change (you may eat more or less), and you may avoid situations that you previously would not. 

As previously mentioned, a small amount of stress can be beneficial to some people, however, persistent stress and stress symptoms should be addressed by the person that is experiencing them.

What is a stress cortisol test?

A stress (cortisol) test, such as the yorktest Stress (Cortisol) test, is a diagnostic test that is designed to measure the levels of the stress hormone cortisol you have in your body, according to Medline Plus. Cortisol influences nearly every organ and tissue in the body, meaning it can change the way that your entire body works when it reacts to potential stress-inducing factors. By measuring the levels of cortisol that are in the body, you will gain valuable insight into various aspects of your health and well-being, giving you the chance to make any changes necessary to reduce your stress levels.

What are the benefits of a stress cortisol test?

The stress cortisol test produced by yorktest offers valuable insights into how stress may be affecting your overall health and provides guidance on steps to mitigate its impact. By measuring cortisol levels, this test helps to identify whether stress is becoming problematic and affecting your well-being. The test gives an insight into your cortisol levels and whether they are higher or lower than normal, which allows you to make any changes necessary to get your body working as it should be.

Which stress (cortisol) tests are available at UK Meds?

At UK Meds, you can purchase the yorktest Stress (Cortisol) test that we have mentioned previously. This test provides insights into the levels of cortisol you have in your body, outlining any abnormalities there may be. You can purchase this test on a one-time basis or as part of a subscription with UK Meds Plus. Purchasing the products you need on a subscription basis offers you a range of benefits including exclusive prices and discounts on products, discounted delivery, priority customer service, and access to members-only partnerships.

Sources

• YorkTest - Stress Cortisol Test

• Healthline - Cortisol Urine

• WebMD - Cortisol Test