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TESTING FOR HIGH CORTISOL

Cortisol - aka the stress hormone - plays a significant role in weight gain by impacting metabolism, increasing appetite, and promoting fat storage, especially in the abdominal area. Discover the connection between chronic stress and weight gain, and explore effective ways to manage cortisol for better health.


Testing for high cortisol levels can provide valuable insight into how your body handles stress.

There are several methods to assess cortisol levels, each with unique advantages.


Here's a breakdown of the best ways to test for high cortisol and what each test entails:

cortisol testing

Saliva Test (Salivary Cortisol Test)

  • Overview: Saliva testing is one of the most common methods for assessing cortisol levels. It's often used to measure cortisol at different times of the day (morning, noon, afternoon, and evening) to observe the natural diurnal (daily) pattern of cortisol production.

  • Pros:

    • Non-invasive and easy to perform at home.

    • Allows for multiple samples in one day, providing a better view of cortisol patterns.

  • Cons:

    • May not be as effective for detecting very low cortisol levels.

  • Best For: People interested in understanding daily fluctuations in cortisol, which can be helpful for identifying patterns associated with stress or adrenal fatigue.


Blood Test (Serum Cortisol Test)

  • Overview: Blood tests measure cortisol levels at a specific point in time. Cortisol naturally peaks in the early morning and is lowest at night, so blood samples are typically taken in the morning.

  • Pros:

    • Reliable for measuring cortisol at a single point.

    • Provides a quick assessment.

  • Cons:

    • Invasive (requires a blood draw).

    • Only measures cortisol at one time, missing the full daily pattern.

  • Best For: A quick check for cortisol levels, especially useful for evaluating conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease (extremely high or low cortisol).


Urine Test (24-Hour Urinary Free Cortisol Test)

  • Overview: A 24-hour urine test measures the amount of cortisol excreted in urine over a full day. This provides a cumulative picture of cortisol production.

  • Pros:

    • Gives an overall measure of daily cortisol production.

    • Useful for diagnosing conditions with consistently elevated cortisol, like Cushing’s syndrome.

  • Cons:

    • Requires collection of all urine over a 24-hour period, which can be inconvenient.

    • May not detect fluctuating patterns of cortisol throughout the day.

  • Best For: Individuals who may have chronically high cortisol levels over a 24-hour period.


Dried Urine Test (DUTCH Test)

  • Overview: The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) is a test that measures cortisol as well as its metabolites. It provides insight into not only the amount of cortisol but also how it’s being processed and broken down in the body.

  • Pros:

    • Offers a comprehensive view of both free cortisol and its metabolites.

    • Provides insights into daily cortisol patterns.

  • Cons:

    • Typically more expensive.

    • Not as widely available as other tests.

  • Best For: People seeking detailed information on cortisol metabolism and a full picture of adrenal function.


Hair Cortisol Test

  • Overview: A hair cortisol test measures cortisol levels in a small sample of hair, which can reflect average cortisol production over several months. Each centimeter of hair represents about one month of cortisol production.

  • Pros:

    • Non-invasive and requires only a small hair sample.

    • Provides a long-term view of cortisol levels over weeks or months.

  • Cons:

    • Not useful for assessing daily fluctuations.

    • May be impacted by factors like hair color, dyeing, and washing frequency.

  • Best For: Individuals interested in long-term cortisol patterns, such as understanding chronic stress over several months.


Which Cortisol Test is Right for You?

  • Short-term or daily pattern of cortisol: Saliva test or DUTCH test is ideal.

  • Single-point cortisol level (e.g., diagnosing severe conditions): Blood test may be sufficient.

  • Chronic or cumulative cortisol production: 24-hour urine test or hair test is more informative.


Consulting with a Healthcare Provider

Before undergoing cortisol testing, consult a healthcare provider. They can help determine the most suitable test based on your symptoms and health history. Certain factors, like the time of day, medications, and underlying health conditions, can influence cortisol test results, so expert guidance is essential for accurate interpretation.

Regular cortisol testing and proper stress management can both play key roles in maintaining a healthy, balanced life.


To explore in pacts of cortisol on your weight and metabolism (as well as look into cortisol testing), don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Courtney Holmberg by booking online here or reaching out for further assistance at 647 351 7282 (must be resident of Ontario).

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