4 Best At-Home Cortisol Tests in 2024

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An at-home cortisol test can help people understand and manage their cortisol levels. Learn more about the best at-home cortisol tests from LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box, and more, plus how to test cortisol levels at home.
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Best overall: LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test | Skip to review
LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test
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Best budget cortisol test: HRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test | Skip to review
HRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test
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Best for a.m. and p.m. testing: RxHomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test | Skip to review
RxHomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test
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Best for fast results: myLAB Box Adrenal Stress Test | Skip to review
myLAB Box Adrenal Stress Test
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The best at-home cortisol tests
All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.

LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test

Results in: 5 days
Collection method: finger prick
How to use: activate test, then collect a finger-prick blood sample and return to the lab
Accepts insurance: HSA/FSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursement
Hormones tested: cortisol
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off
$99.00 AT LETSGETCHECKED
*Price may vary.
This cortisol blood test uses the finger-prick method to draw blood for the sample.
We have ranked it best overall because it is a more affordable test, offers clear testing instructions, uses reliable labs to analyze samples, and offers subscription options that offer discounts.
Here are the steps to take and send off a blood sample with LetsGetChecked:
A person should collect their sample before 9 a.m. and return it immediately. The company advises a person should not collect or return samples on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
A person will fill in their details on the collection box and activate their testing kit online at LetsGetChecked.
LetsGetChecked
Then, they will wash their hands with warm soapy water before using an alcohol swab to clean the finger they will prick.
Once their finger is completely dry, they will pierce the skin using the lancet in the test kit. Then, they will wipe away the first drop of blood before squeezing some into the blood collection tube.
After closing the tube, they will invert it 5–10 times before placing it in the included biohazard bag and then put it in the box.

After completing these steps, a person can send the sample back to LetsGetChecked using the kit’s prepaid envelope. LetsGetChecked claims test results come back within 2–5 days.
According to the company, it tests samples in the same labs that primary care professionals and hospitals use. These labs have CLIA and College of American Pathologists (CAP) certifications.
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
The company also has a team of nurses and doctors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to offer ongoing support. Healthcare professionals are available to discuss a person’s results over the phone.
This test is best for people who think they may need follow-up support and for people who do not mind pricking their fingers to provide a sample.
Subscriptions and savings
LetsGetChecked offers free shipping, and people can save up to 30% with regular deliveries. Deliveries every 12 months save 15%, every 6 months save 20%, and every 3 months save 30%. People can also pay with flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).
Our tester received the kit for free.
“I was curious about my [cortisol] levels. [The process] for the kit was relatively easy, but I messed it up, and forgot to fill in the label on the sample form.
“The UPS form desperately needs some UX updating. Other than that, [I found it] weird to only take it 10am and to not take biotin, or exert yourself 24 hours prior to taking the test. I do yoga and a weight lifting class, so I was not sure what they meant by ‘vigorous’.
“[As a result of] messing up the sample form, I did not hear back. No results!”
– Lynn Prowitt, Editorial Director.
Our tester received the kit for free.
“I was curious about my [cortisol] levels. [The process] for the kit was relatively easy, but I messed it up, and forgot to fill in the label on the sample form.
“The UPS form desperately needs some UX updating. Other than that, [I found it] weird to only take it 10am and to not take biotin, or exert yourself 24 hours prior to taking the test. I do yoga and a weight lifting class, so I was not sure what they meant by ‘vigorous’.
“[As a result of] messing up the sample form, I did not hear back. No results!”
– Lynn Prowitt, Editorial Director.
people can save up to 30% with a subscription
follow-up support is available 24/7
results are available quickly through a private portal
people can use FSA or HSA cards to pay
unsuitable for people who are uncomfortable taking their own blood sample
LetsGetChecked does not accept insurance
Some may find the returns process tricky to use
people can save up to 30% with a subscription
follow-up support is available 24/7
results are available quickly through a private portal
people can use FSA or HSA cards to pay
unsuitable for people who are uncomfortable taking their own blood sample
LetsGetChecked does not accept insurance
Some may find the returns process tricky to use
Returns: refunds within 14 days
Shipping: free shipping
Returns: refunds within 14 days
Shipping: free shipping

HRT.org Cortisol Saliva Test

Results in: 5 to 7 days
Collection method: saliva sample
How to use: register kit, collect saliva samples, and return to the lab
Accepts insurance: no
Hormones tested: cortisol
$86.00 AT HRT.ORG
*Price may vary.
This test involves collecting saliva in the morning, although there are evening and diurnal tests available for a higher cost in some cases. The company indicates that the morning is the peak time for hormone production and the best time to test cortisol levels.
It adds that saliva tests may suit some people because they are noninvasive, and a person can do them in the comfort of their home or in an office or lab.
The company recommends taking the saliva sample after waking up.
People with regular menstruation patterns should take saliva samples on days 19, 20, or 21 of their cycle. If their cycle is irregular, they should take the sample 5 days before their period, if they can anticipate the start date.
menstruation
irregular
According to the test’s instructions, people should stop taking hormone medications — except birth control and thyroid medication — at least 12 hours before collecting the sample.
birth control
at least 12 hours
After collecting their sample, people then ship it to a CLIA certified lab. If they cannot send their saliva sample within 24 hours, they should freeze it until they can do so.
ZRT Laboratory returns results within 5–7 business days.
This test may be best for people working with a smaller budget.
Subscriptions and savings
There are no subscription options from HRT.org. However, the company does offer free shipping.
it is more affordable than other options on this list
people can freeze their sample if they cannot send it off right away
requires a saliva sample, which is less invasive and uncomfortable than a blood sample
people may have to stop taking hormone medications two days before taking the test
results will arrive slower than with some competitors
the company does not accept insurance
it is more affordable than other options on this list
people can freeze their sample if they cannot send it off right away
requires a saliva sample, which is less invasive and uncomfortable than a blood sample
people may have to stop taking hormone medications two days before taking the test
results will arrive slower than with some competitors
the company does not accept insurance
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout

RxHomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test

Results in: 5 to 7 business days
Collection method: saliva sample
Tests for:
Accepts insurance: HSA/FSA only
Follow-up guidance: none
$119.99 AT RX HOMETEST
*Price may vary.
This Rx HomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test requires a person to take two saliva samples: one 30–60 minutes after waking in the morning, before eating breakfast or brushing teeth, and the other before bed.
The company states that collecting two samples can help provide insight into a person’s 24-hour cortisol cycle.
Once someone collects the sample, they can ship it to the Rx HomeTest CLIA lab for free. The company claims it sends test results within 5 business days and that they are easy to understand.
This test may be best suited to people who do not want to take an invasive sample.
The RxHomeTest Cortisol AM/PM Test is available across the United States, except in the following states:
New York
New Jersey
Maryland
Rhode Island
Subscriptions and savings
There are no subscription options with this brand. However, people can get free shipping and a sample report, which can help inform their purchasing decision.

people take two samples throughout the day to allow for fluctuations
people can get a sample report to inform their purchasing decision
saliva samples are less invasive and more comfortable to collect than blood samples
people must take the samples within two time windows
it is not availabe in several states
people take two samples throughout the day to allow for fluctuations
people can get a sample report to inform their purchasing decision
saliva samples are less invasive and more comfortable to collect than blood samples
people must take the samples within two time windows
it is not availabe in several states
Shipping: free shipping
Shipping: free shipping

myLAB Box Adrenal Stress Test

Results in: 2 to 5 days
Collection method: finger prick
Accepts insurance: no
Hormones tested: cortisol and DHEA
$149.00 AT MYLAB BOX
*Price may vary.
This adrenal gland test assesses a person’s cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.
MyLAB Box recommends people lie down and take the time to de-stress prior to taking the test. If a person takes medication, the company recommends speaking to their physician before taking the test.
People should note that the product page for this product states both finger-prick and saliva as the collection method. However, finger-prick is the correct method for collecting the sample.
Each test comes with the tools to take the sample and a prepaid return envelope.
MyLAB Box states that it uses laboratories that are CAP and CLIA certified.
People will receive their results online within 5 days of sending the sample off. The company also offers access to a free follow-up physician consult.
This test is available in every state except New York.
Subscriptions and savings
There are no subscription options for this product. However, the brand offers free shipping, and people can pay for their test with FSA or HSA cards.
Please note that our tester reviewed an older version of the test that used the saliva collection method. The product now requires a finger-prick to collect the sample.
“It was pretty easy to register. I scanned a QR code and then entered a registration code.
“The product comes in a simple box with easy instructions to follow. For this test, I had to collect 4 samples of saliva throughout the day (no bubbles). Filling them to a certain mark on the tube upon waking, at noon, at 4 p.m., and before bed was more difficult than it would seem. It instructs to rinse your mouth with water for 5 whole minutes prior to each collection. You can’t brush your teeth, eat, or drink anything but water prior, for 30 minutes prior to collection and can’t use any lip products that day. No alcohol either. Collection took me quite a while, and sometimes I would just smell food to try and generate saliva.
“The kit also had all kinds of instructions for those on different kinds of hormones that look to complicate collection.
“After the day was up, I packed all my labeled and sealed vials into the return bag/box and used the pre-paid postage provided to ship it the next day.”
– Naomi Farr, Copy Editor
Please note that our tester reviewed an older version of the test that used the saliva collection method. The product now requires a finger-prick to collect the sample.
“It was pretty easy to register. I scanned a QR code and then entered a registration code.
“The product comes in a simple box with easy instructions to follow. For this test, I had to collect 4 samples of saliva throughout the day (no bubbles). Filling them to a certain mark on the tube upon waking, at noon, at 4 p.m., and before bed was more difficult than it would seem. It instructs to rinse your mouth with water for 5 whole minutes prior to each collection. You can’t brush your teeth, eat, or drink anything but water prior, for 30 minutes prior to collection and can’t use any lip products that day. No alcohol either. Collection took me quite a while, and sometimes I would just smell food to try and generate saliva.
“The kit also had all kinds of instructions for those on different kinds of hormones that look to complicate collection.
“After the day was up, I packed all my labeled and sealed vials into the return bag/box and used the pre-paid postage provided to ship it the next day.”
– Naomi Farr, Copy Editor
people can receive a free physician consultation with their test
people can use FSA or HSA cards to pay
offers fast results
it is the most expensive option on this list
not available in New York state
does not offer after-hours support
people can receive a free physician consultation with their test
people can use FSA or HSA cards to pay
offers fast results
it is the most expensive option on this list
not available in New York state
does not offer after-hours support
Returns: refunds if canceled before kit ships
Shipping: free shipping
Returns: refunds if canceled before kit ships
Shipping: free shipping
At-home cortisol test comparison
The table below compares each cortisol test for sample type, price, and more.
LetsGetChecked
HRT.org
Rx HomeTest
myLAB Box
How we chose the best at-home tests for cortisol levels
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulate these labs to help ensure safety and accuracy.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Learn more
How to test cortisol levels at home
A cortisol test usually involves a blood test. However, some tests may require saliva and urine samples instead.
usually involves a blood test
Several home cortisol tests are available to purchase over the counter or online. These allow a person to take a blood, urine, or saliva sample before sending it off for analysis.
After taking a home cortisol test, people can sometimes receive their results within 2–5 days online or via a telephone call with a healthcare professional.
However, no studies currently investigate the reliability of these home cortisol tests. Therefore, people should follow up on their test results with a healthcare professional.
Learn more about what a cortisol test shows.
what a cortisol test shows
How to choose an at-home cortisol test kit
In a clinic or hospital setting, a healthcare professional usually takes a person’s blood sample and analyzes their cortisol levels. They may also provide a saliva test kit for analyzing a person’s cortisol levels.
With home cortisol tests, a person takes a sample of their blood, urine, or saliva. There are currently no studies investigating the accuracy of these results.
However, home cortisol tests may be faster and more convenient than undergoing testing in a clinic or hospital setting.
People may consider several factors when deciding to purchase a home cortisol test, including:
Sample type: Some tests require a blood sample, while others use urine or saliva. A person may wish to buy a product that uses a testing method they are comfortable with.
Test analysis: A person should purchase a product from a company that sends tests to CLIA certified labs as part of the testing process.
CLIA certified
Accuracy: The FDA says at-home tests are cost-effective and quick to use, but it states they should not replace regular contact with a doctor. The FDA also states that all tests can give false results, and a person should follow instructions carefully and check expiration dates for the best chance of getting accurate results.
FDA
FDA
Price: Some cortisol tests can be expensive. A person can talk with a doctor to determine whether at-home cortisol tests will be useful for them before purchasing.
A person should not adjust medication based on at-home test results before speaking with a doctor.
The FDA does not approve every at-home test for use, and it recommends that a person check with a pharmacist or vendor to see if their chosen test is FDA approved. According to the FDA, unapproved tests have not been deemed safe or effective.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is the stress hormone that affects several systems in the body, including the:
affects several systems
nervous system
nervous system
immune system
immune system
cardiovascular system
cardiovascular system
respiratory system
respiratory system
reproductive system
musculoskeletal system
musculoskeletal system
integumentary system, which includes skin, hair, and nails
The adrenal glands produce cortisol. Most human body cells have cortisol receptors, and the hormone can help in several ways, including:
adrenal glands
including
reducing inflammation
inflammation
regulating metabolism
assisting with memory formation
managing blood pressure
blood pressure
developing the fetus during pregnancy
pregnancy
maintaining salt and water balance in the body
managing blood sugar levels
All these functions make cortisol a vital part of maintaining overall health. If the body can no longer regulate cortisol levels, it can lead to several health disorders, such as Cushing syndrome and Addison’s disease. Without treatment, these conditions could cause life threatening complications.
life threatening complications
The body requires certain cortisol levels during times of stress, such as:
in the event of an injury
during illness
during a surgical procedure
Learn more about the body’s organs and systems.
the body’s organs and systems
Why and when do people need a cortisol test? 
A person should take a home cortisol test if they feel they may have a cortisol imbalance.
cortisol imbalance
If cortisol levels are too high, a person may notice the following:
rapid weight gain in the face, chest, and abdomen
high blood pressure
osteoporosis
bruises and purple stretch marks
mood swings
muscle weakness
an increase in thirst and need to urinate
If cortisol levels are too low, a person may experience the following symptoms:
symptoms
fatigue
loss of appetite
unintentional weight loss
muscle weakness
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
Additionally, low cortisol levels may lead to:
low blood pressure
low blood pressure
low blood sugar
low blood sugar
low blood sodium
low blood sodium
high blood potassium
high blood potassium
A test can help individuals check their cortisol levels. If the test results show these levels are too high or too low, people should seek medical advice.
A cortisol imbalance may be a sign of an underlying condition, which can lead to serious complications if not treated.
If a person cannot carry out a home cortisol test, they should speak with a healthcare professional who can arrange a cortisol test at a healthcare facility.
Learn how to lower cortisol levels naturally.
lower cortisol levels naturally
How to prepare for a cortisol test
Stress can affect a person’s cortisol levels, so people should try to rest and remain calm before a test.
can affect
Fasting is not typically necessary for a cortisol test. However, healthcare professionals may ask people to stop taking certain medications, so people need to tell a doctor about all the medications they are taking.
People should never stop taking medication unless a doctor asks them to.
Understanding cortisol test results
Typically, results will show whether a person’s cortisol levels are high, low, or in a typical range.
Low cortisol levels could indicate Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency.
could indicate
adrenal insufficiency
High levels of cortisol may indicate Cushing’s syndrome or a tumor that is increasing cortisol levels.
Cushing’s syndrome
People must contact a healthcare professional when they receive the results of an at-home test. People should not try to interpret a test’s results without a healthcare professional’s aid.
Doctors can also recommend further testing or discuss treatment options if necessary.
When to speak with a doctor
People should undergo a cortisol test if they believe they may have high or low cortisol levels.
They can do this at home or speak with a healthcare professional who can carry out the test for them.
People may also wish to seek medical help if they show signs of too much or too little cortisol. This could indicate a potentially serious underlying health issue.
Frequently asked questions about at-home cortisol tests
People can buy at-home cortisol tests online. These require a blood, urine, or saliva sample that a person collects at home and then sends to the company’s labs. The company returns the test results to the person after a few days or weeks.
However, no studies have investigated the accuracy of at-home cortisol tests. A person should contact a healthcare professional once they have received their results.
People can buy at-home cortisol tests online. These require a blood, urine, or saliva sample that a person collects at home and then sends to the company’s labs. The company returns the test results to the person after a few days or weeks.
However, no studies have investigated the accuracy of at-home cortisol tests. A person should contact a healthcare professional once they have received their results.
No studies have investigated the reliability and accuracy of at-home cortisol tests. Following up on all test results with a healthcare professional is important.
No studies have investigated the reliability and accuracy of at-home cortisol tests. Following up on all test results with a healthcare professional is important.
A person may notice several symptoms of high cortisol levels, such as:
several symptoms
rapid weight gain in the face, abdomen, and chest
an increase in thirst and the need to urinate
easy bruising
purple stretch marks
mood changes

Contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible for advice if any of these symptoms are present.
A person may notice several symptoms of high cortisol levels, such as:
several symptoms
rapid weight gain in the face, abdomen, and chest
an increase in thirst and the need to urinate
easy bruising
purple stretch marks
mood changes

Contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible for advice if any of these symptoms are present.
People testing their cortisol levels at home will typically have to wait around 2–7 days for their test results, as a lab needs to analyze the samples.
People testing their cortisol levels at home will typically have to wait around 2–7 days for their test results, as a lab needs to analyze the samples.
There are no symptoms of high cortisol specific to females documented in scientific literature.
However, one 2020 study did suggest that stress may disrupt the menstrual cycle.
2020 study
Other symptoms of high cortisol levels include rapid weight gain in the face, chest and abdomen; high blood pressure; mood swings; osteoporosis; bruises and purple stretch marks; mood swings; an increase in thirst and the need to urinate; and muscle weakness. However, these are not unique to females.
There are no symptoms of high cortisol specific to females documented in scientific literature.
However, one 2020 study did suggest that stress may disrupt the menstrual cycle.
2020 study
Other symptoms of high cortisol levels include rapid weight gain in the face, chest and abdomen; high blood pressure; mood swings; osteoporosis; bruises and purple stretch marks; mood swings; an increase in thirst and the need to urinate; and muscle weakness. However, these are not unique to females.
Test results should label cortisol in full. It is measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
Test results should label cortisol in full. It is measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
Summary
Cortisol is an important hormone that affects almost all parts of the body. It has many functions, including reducing inflammation, regulating metabolism, and managing blood pressure.
If a person believes they have high or low cortisol levels, they may wish to take a cortisol test. Usually, these tests take place at a medical practice. However, several at-home cortisol tests are available to purchase.
A person can take these tests at home by providing a urine, blood, or saliva sample. Once a lab analyzes the test, people usually receive their results within a few days. Individuals should follow up on any test results with a healthcare professional.