The 4 Best At-Home Cortisol Tests in 2024
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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Did you know you could test your cortisol levels at home? We rounded up the best at-home tests so you don’t have to. We also tested LetsGetChecked’s product. See which test fits you best.
Share on Pinterest A quick look at the best at-home cortisol tests
Stress can be attributed, in part, to cortisol, which is the stress hormone responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
One way to manage stress is to test your cortisol production levels through an at-home cortisol test. While you shouldn’t self-diagnose a medical or mental health condition, these types of tests may provide information you can discuss further with a doctor.
How we chose the best at-home cortisol tests
The at-home testing market is becoming more popular, and numerous options are available. So, to ensure we chose the best at-home cortisol tests, we considered the following:
Healthline’s picks for the best at-home cortisol tests
Best overall
LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
$99.00 AT LETSGETCHECKED*Price may vary.
4.5out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's reviewLetsGetChecked provides a thorough way to test your cortisol levels in the comfort of your own home. The company’s at-home cortisol test requires collecting a blood sample using a finger prick.
After ordering and receiving your test, you’ll need to activate it so that it’s linked to you when it goes through the testing process.
The sample must be collected between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday and returned on the same day. This test measures your cortisol level in the morning, so it’s essential to follow instructions to ensure accuracy.
LetsGetChecked also notes that participating in intense physical activity the day before collecting your sample can result in increased cortisol levels.
A team of nurses is available to assist with the collection process and go over your results, which are reviewed by a team of physicians. Customer reviews cite the clinical support as a reason why the process went smoothly. LetsGetChecked estimates that the results will be ready in 2 to 5 days.
They do not take insurance, and a one-time purchase is $99. If you have a LetsGetChecked subscription, the cortisol test is $69.30.
Why we chose it: We concluded that this test was our best overall after our testers reported how user-friendly the test was to take and noted the easy-to-understand testing instructions. We were also impressed with the security and confidentiality around results and how they were received.
Our score breakdownResult time4Ease of collection5Insurance4Cost4.5Follow-up guidance5What our tester says
Healthline Writer Breanna Mona and Healthline SEO Associate Taylor Morelli each tried the LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test. Both said the process for receiving the kit was straightforward and relatively quick. It took about 1 week to arrive in the mail.
The results were even faster, taking Mona only 1 to 2 days after dropping off the kit at her local UPS. Morelli dropped her sample off at UPS on a Tuesday and got results by Thursday.
This was Mona’s first time trying an at-home blood test, and based on her experience with LetsGetChecked, she said she would do it again if needed.
“I will say there is a learning curve. I had trouble getting blood from my first finger, and things became messy very quickly … I found that massaging the finger slowly from the top worked best and that it’s important to work quickly once blood is drawn or it can just stop,” Mona said. She added that the test kit provided multiple lancets so she could try multiple fingers.
Morelli reported some challenges with collecting blood: “This kit didn’t come with the vibrating tool like the thyroid test did, so it took 18 minutes and three finger pricks, and I still didn’t quite have enough blood to fill to the line.” She also noted the kit had only two bandages included.
Mona said clear, easy-to-follow directions helped with her learning curve. The instructional video on the LetsGetChecked website provided a visual explanation of the blood collection process.
Overall, Mona would recommend this product, particularly for people with high insurance costs, and for “those who are comfortable drawing their own blood and have some patience.”
Morelli would recommend the product for those who aren’t able to go through a healthcare professional and want to check cortisol levels at home.
“If you can use insurance, it’s probably easier to just go to the lab (assuming one is nearby) and have the test done there since it’s a quicker draw from the arm versus finger prick and will cost less with insurance,” she said.
LetsGetChecked provided the Cortisol Test kit for free.
Healthline Writer Breanna Mona and Healthline SEO Associate Taylor Morelli each tried the LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test. Both said the process for receiving the kit was straightforward and relatively quick. It took about 1 week to arrive in the mail.
The results were even faster, taking Mona only 1 to 2 days after dropping off the kit at her local UPS. Morelli dropped her sample off at UPS on a Tuesday and got results by Thursday.
This was Mona’s first time trying an at-home blood test, and based on her experience with LetsGetChecked, she said she would do it again if needed.
“I will say there is a learning curve. I had trouble getting blood from my first finger, and things became messy very quickly … I found that massaging the finger slowly from the top worked best and that it’s important to work quickly once blood is drawn or it can just stop,” Mona said. She added that the test kit provided multiple lancets so she could try multiple fingers.
Morelli reported some challenges with collecting blood: “This kit didn’t come with the vibrating tool like the thyroid test did, so it took 18 minutes and three finger pricks, and I still didn’t quite have enough blood to fill to the line.” She also noted the kit had only two bandages included.
Mona said clear, easy-to-follow directions helped with her learning curve. The instructional video on the LetsGetChecked website provided a visual explanation of the blood collection process.
Overall, Mona would recommend this product, particularly for people with high insurance costs, and for “those who are comfortable drawing their own blood and have some patience.”
Morelli would recommend the product for those who aren’t able to go through a healthcare professional and want to check cortisol levels at home.
“If you can use insurance, it’s probably easier to just go to the lab (assuming one is nearby) and have the test done there since it’s a quicker draw from the arm versus finger prick and will cost less with insurance,” she said.
LetsGetChecked provided the Cortisol Test kit for free.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for fast results
myLAB Box Adrenal Stress Test
*Price may vary.
3.8out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's reviewMyLAB Box gets your results to you in as little as 2 days, making it one of the fastest available. This industry leader offers a wide range of tests, including:
This test uses a saliva sample to assess your cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. DHEA is another hormone released by the adrenal glands that your body converts to estrogen and testosterone.
You may have low levels because of adrenal gland dysfunction or due to natural aging. Abnormally high or low levels of any of these hormones can disrupt your health.
You’ll pay just under $150 for the test, and although your insurance won’t cover the cost, you can use flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds.
Why we chose it: This test has an easy process for collecting your sample, and we noticed that users would often report receiving their test results very quickly compared to other competitors.
Our score breakdownResult time5Ease of collection5Insurance4Cost4Follow-up guidance1Pros & cons
Product details
Want to learn more about myLAB Box?
We took a closer look at some of the tests available through myLAB Box and compared its prices, user reviews, and overall brand reputation. You can read our full review here: myLAB Box Review: Should You Try It?
Best budget cortisol test
HRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test
4.5 (55+) from HRTORG
*Price may vary.
3.3out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's reviewIf you want to track cortisol fluctuations, the HRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test is a good option. It uses four saliva samples to measure cortisol:
If you take hormonal medications, the company recommends collecting samples 12 to 24 hours after your last dose of pills, gels, creams, or sprays.
If you’re using a patch, wait 1 to 2 days after application. The company also recommends that you stop using any anti-aging face creams for 3 days prior to collection to avoid affecting results.
If you’re unable to send your samples to the company’s Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified lab within 24 hours, freeze them until you can. You can expect to receive your results in 5 to 7 days.
A diurnal test (where you test four times) is $155. You can also purchase a single cortisol measurement test, either morning or evening, for $86 if you don’t need to track changes over time.
Why we chose it: We compared several at-home cortisol tests when building our list, and the HRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test had one of the lowest prices available among our top recommended tests.
Our score breakdownResult time2Ease of collection5Insurance4Cost4.5Follow-up guidance1Pros & cons
Product details
Best saliva test
RxHomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test
*Price may vary.
3.3out of 5healthline scoreHealthline's reviewThis at-home cortisol test comes with four vials so you can provide saliva samples multiple times over the course of 24 hours. Cortisol levels can vary throughout the day, whether it be due to:
So it’s helpful to get a full picture.
RxHomeTest specifically looks at your diurnal rhythm (otherwise known as your circadian rhythm ), which is your sleep-wake pattern. Your circadian rhythm can be affected by environmental factors, such as:
Once you order this at-home testing kit, you’ll receive it within 3 to 5 business days. From there, you’ll provide your saliva samples, and then send it back to the company’s CLIA certified labs using the prepaid return envelope. Results are provided within 5 business days.
The test costs $119 and is available in every U.S. state except New York and New Jersey.
Why we chose it: We recognize that finger prick tests that collect blood samples may not be a good option for every reader. So, we chose to include a cortisol test recommendation that was not only based on saliva samples, but that also featured an easy-to-use collection process.
Our score breakdownResult time2Ease of collection5Insurance4Cost4.5Follow-up guidance1Pros & cons
Product details
Comparing the best at-home cortisol tests
At-home testand priceHealthline score (out of 5)PriceCollection methodResultsLetsGetChecked Cortisol Test4.5$99finger prick2 to 5 daysmyLAB Box Adrenal Stress Test3.8$149saliva2 to 5 daysHRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test2.7from $86saliva5 to 7 daysRxHomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test3.3$119.99salivawithin 5 business daysWhat is cortisol, again?
Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone. It plays a vital role in the body by maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar. It breaks down carbohydrates, lipids (fats), and proteins. Cortisol can even help fight infections.
The two small glands above your kidneys — your adrenal glands — make cortisol.
Symptoms of high and low cortisol levels
According to a 2018 study, high stress levels over long periods of time can result in high cortisol levels, which can negatively affect your health. If your cortisol levels are too high or too low, you may notice some symptoms and a decline in your health. You may also have a disorder in your adrenal glands, which can be serious if left untreated.
What do high and low cortisol levels feel like?
Symptoms that may indicate low or high cortisol levels can include severe fatigue, high blood pressure, and low blood sugar.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consider testing your cortisol levels.
At-home cortisol tests can be a good way to check your cortisol levels and gain insight into what may be causing the symptoms you’re experiencing before visiting a doctor. It could also be an insightful way to understand how your body responds to stress.
Too much or too little cortisol can be a sign of an adrenal gland disorder.
These disorders include Cushing syndrome, when your body makes too much cortisol, and Addison’s disease, when your body doesn’t make enough cortisol.
If you have Cushing syndrome or Addison’s disease, a doctor may also recommend testing your cortisol levels regularly.
How do at-home cortisol tests work?
Cortisol levels vary throughout the day. They’re typically highest when you wake up in the morning, and they gradually decrease as the day goes on.
Because of this, most at-home cortisol tests require you to collect a sample first thing in the morning. Others may ask that you collect a sample at several points during the day.
A doctor may also instruct you to take the test at a certain point of the day, depending on if they think you’re making too much or too little cortisol.
The collection methods for at-home cortisol tests vary. Some require a blood sample, while others use saliva or urine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking the test.
After sending back your sample, you can expect to get the results from an at-home cortisol test in anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
How to choose your own test
When choosing an at-home cortisol test, it’s important to consider the following factors:
How to read your cortisol test results
A typical cortisol value in a blood sample taken at 8 a.m. is 5 to 25 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or 140 to 690 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
Results may depend on a variety of factors, including the time of the test and the clinical context.
A healthcare professional can best explain your unique results and what they mean for your health. It’s important to remember to not stop any medication without consulting your healthcare professional
When to talk with a doctor
While home testing is a convenient method for checking your cortisol, it may be best to see a doctor first if you’re experiencing severe symptoms of possible low or high cortisol. These may include sudden, unexplained weight changes, darkened areas of your skin, or significant changes in mood.
You can talk with a doctor if you decide to take an at-home cortisol test and you receive abnormal results. They may order follow-up tests and determine an appropriate treatment plan. It’s also important to communicate any at-home test results with a doctor if you’re currently being treated for Cushing syndrome or Addison’s disease.
Finally, if you receive normal at-home cortisol results but still don’t feel right, you can make an appointment with a doctor to help determine what could be the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about at-home cortisol tests
Can I test my cortisol levels at home?
You can test cortisol levels at home, but the results shouldn’t replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.
At-home cortisol tests are available online. These tests require collecting a sample of blood, urine, or saliva and sending it to the test company’s lab.
You can test cortisol levels at home, but the results shouldn’t replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.
At-home cortisol tests are available online. These tests require collecting a sample of blood, urine, or saliva and sending it to the test company’s lab.
Are at-home cortisol tests as accurate as in-person tests?
When your cortisol is tested at a doctor’s office, it’s typically done using a blood sample. Most at-home cortisol tests are collected through a saliva sample, though a few may use urine or blood samples.
Getting tested at a doctor’s office or hospital is generally more accurate than a self-collected test. However, an at-home cortisol test is efficient. You can use one to gather insight before visiting a doctor.
When your cortisol is tested at a doctor’s office, it’s typically done using a blood sample. Most at-home cortisol tests are collected through a saliva sample, though a few may use urine or blood samples.
Getting tested at a doctor’s office or hospital is generally more accurate than a self-collected test. However, an at-home cortisol test is efficient. You can use one to gather insight before visiting a doctor.
Are cortisol tests covered by insurance?
Most at-home test services don’t work with insurance companies, and insurance generally doesn’t cover them. However, some services may accept HSA and FSA payments.
To find out whether your health insurance covers an at-home cortisol test, it’s best to reach out to them directly.
Most at-home test services don’t work with insurance companies, and insurance generally doesn’t cover them. However, some services may accept HSA and FSA payments.
To find out whether your health insurance covers an at-home cortisol test, it’s best to reach out to them directly.
Are there any risks to taking an at-home cortisol test?
At-home cortisol testing generally comes with few risks. If the test uses a blood sample, there’s the possibility of bruising or bleeding.
These tests are generally very accurate, but there’s the chance that you may receive false-positive or false-negative results due to the sample collection process or shipping.
Remember, this type of testing is not a substitute for a visit with a primary care doctor.
At-home cortisol testing generally comes with few risks. If the test uses a blood sample, there’s the possibility of bruising or bleeding.
These tests are generally very accurate, but there’s the chance that you may receive false-positive or false-negative results due to the sample collection process or shipping.
Remember, this type of testing is not a substitute for a visit with a primary care doctor.
How often should you test your cortisol?
Unless you have a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome or Addison’s disease, you don’t need to test your cortisol levels regularly.
A doctor will give you specific instructions on the type of test to take, what time to take it, and how regularly you need to get tested.
They may recommend testing twice in 1 day or multiple times over several days since cortisol levels vary.
Unless you have a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome or Addison’s disease, you don’t need to test your cortisol levels regularly.
A doctor will give you specific instructions on the type of test to take, what time to take it, and how regularly you need to get tested.
They may recommend testing twice in 1 day or multiple times over several days since cortisol levels vary.
The bottom line
Occasionally checking your cortisol levels can be helpful, especially if you’re experiencing stress.
At-home cortisol tests are a convenient and efficient way to monitor your stress and adjust accordingly. However, if you’re experiencing several symptoms, it’s best to talk with a doctor.
Posted : 2024-08-29 10:49
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