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At-Home Cortisol Test

Published: Sep 30, 2024
Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," plays a vital role in controlling how our bodies respond to stress, manage energy, and maintain overall balance. When cortisol levels are too high or too low, it can lead to various health problems. At-home cortisol tests offer a convenient way to monitor your hormone levels throughout the day. In this article, we'll explain the benefits of the at-home cortisol test we use at Root, what it measures, and how it can help you address the root cause of your symptoms.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney. Cortisol controls various functions, including metabolism, immune response, and blood sugar levels. In response to stress, cortisol levels rise, providing the body with the energy needed to cope with the stressful situation. While cortisol is essential for health, both excessively high and low levels can lead to various health problems.

High Cortisol

Chronic stress is a common cause of high cortisol in the United States, although conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal tumors, and even some medications can also cause elevated cortisol. High cortisol levels can lead to:

  • Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen and face
  • High blood pressure
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • PMS
  • Irregular or heavy periods
  • Acne
  • Insulin resistance and higher risk of type 2 diabetes

In general, high cortisol levels also often leave us feeling “wired but tired” and frequently overwhelmed. 

Low Cortisol

On the other hand, low cortisol levels can be just as problematic. Your body needs the natural release of cortisol throughout different parts of your day for optimal function. HPA axis dysfunction is a common cause for low cortisol levels, however, other conditions like Addison’s disease or chronic fatigue syndrome can lead to low levels as well. Symptoms of low cortisol levels include:

  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Low blood sugar levels
  • Low blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or fainting

Cortisol Awakening Response

Cortisol should follow a circadian rhythm and rise quickly upon waking and lower slowly throughout the day with the lowest point just before bedtime. The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) is a natural surge in cortisol levels that occurs within the first 30-45 minutes after waking up. The CAR prepares the body for the demands of the day by providing an immediate source of energy and alertness.

A healthy CAR is an indicator of overall adrenal health. Abnormalities in CAR, such as a flat response (low cortisol levels upon waking) or an exaggerated response (high cortisol levels), can be indicative of chronic stress, burnout, or underlying health conditions. By measuring CAR, our at-home cortisol test can help you gain valuable insights into how your body is managing stress.
Figure 1: Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) Examples:

At-Home Cortisol Testing

Because of cortisol’s rhythmic pattern, testing at only one point in the day does not provide a full picture. Rather, collecting multiple data points throughout the day is the best way to accurately assess your cortisol pattern. 

Our at-home cortisol test (coming in October!) looks at six points throughout the day via saliva collection:

1. Immediately upon waking 
2. 30 minutes after waking 
3. 60 minutes after waking
4. Around lunch
5. Around dinner
6. Before bed

These insights can help diagnose and manage conditions related to HPA axis dysfunction and chronic stress.

By joining Root Access (beta), you’ll unlock the ability to order at-home cortisol testing and more.

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At-Home Testing


The convenience of our at-home cortisol test allows you to:

  • Collect samples in your natural environment, which can provide a more accurate reflection of your daily cortisol patterns and allows for a more personalized treatment plan. 
  • Avoid the stress and inconvenience of traveling to a clinic or lab, which could potentially affect cortisol levels.
  • Take control of your health by monitoring cortisol levels over time and adjusting lifestyle or treatment plans as needed.
After sending in your completed test kit, you will receive your test results in about 10 to 14 days.

DHEA-S Testing

DHEA-S is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and it serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen. Imbalances in DHEA-S levels may indicate adrenal dysfunction, stress-related disorders, adrenal PCOS, or age-related hormonal changes.

Our at-home cortisol test at Root also evaluates DHEA-S levels to provide a more comprehensive understanding of adrenal health and guide personalized treatment plans.

Key Takeaways

At-home cortisol tests offer a practical way to understand how your body responds to stress so you can take proactive steps toward treating the root causes of your symptoms and achieving optimal health.