Cortisol Level Assessment

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and low blood glucose. While cortisol is essential for survival — regulating metabolism, inflammation, blood sugar, and the sleep-wake cycle — chronically elevated levels can damage nearly every system in the body.

The Cortisol Rhythm

In a healthy person, cortisol follows a predictable daily curve:

• Peaks at around 8:00 AM (the “cortisol awakening response”)
• Gradually declines through the day
• Reaches its lowest point around midnight

Disrupting this rhythm through chronic stress, shift work, late-night screen use, or irregular sleep is a major driver of health problems.

What Raises Cortisol

Cortisol rises in response to:

• Physical stress (intense exercise, illness, injury)
• Psychological stress (work pressure, anxiety, relationship conflict)
• Poor sleep (less than 7 hours significantly elevates morning cortisol)
• High caffeine intake (especially on an empty stomach)
• Skipping meals or extreme calorie restriction
• Excessive alcohol use
• Bright blue-light exposure at night

Symptoms of Chronically High Cortisol

• Weight gain around the abdomen
• Difficulty sleeping despite feeling tired
• Brain fog and poor concentration
• Anxiety or irritability
• Frequent infections (immune suppression)
• High blood pressure
• Sugar cravings

Symptoms of Low Cortisol (Adrenal Fatigue)

• Extreme fatigue, especially in the morning
• Salt cravings
• Lightheadedness when standing
• Low blood pressure
• Depression or emotional flatness

This assessment scores common lifestyle factors that either raise or lower cortisol. It is not a medical diagnosis — for confirmed cortisol issues, a saliva or blood test from your doctor is required.