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Hair Cortisol Test

Hair Cortisol Test

$0.00 - $0.00
$0.00
$99.00
$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00

The Hair Cortisol Test offers a unique and non-invasive way to assess long-term stress and cortisol levels in the body.

Cortisol is a vital steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands—small glands located above each kidney. During periods of stress, your body releases more cortisol into the bloodstream. While cortisol plays a crucial role in managing stress, energy levels, and metabolism, imbalances—whether too much or too little—can negatively impact your overall health.

This test helps you gain a clearer picture of your body's stress response over time, empowering you to make informed decisions for your well-being.




Assesses Stress-Related Hormone Levels

Hair Sample Collection Method

Long-Term Hormone Profiling for Stress and Cortisol Levels

Details



Sample Requirement: A maximum collection of 1.5 inches of new hair growth.


1. Order your Hair Cortisol test online.

2. Check your email for detailed instructions on how to properly collect and send your hair sample for analysis. 

3. Receive a personalized report with clear insights into your hair cortisol levels.




View Cortisol Analysis Hair Collection Instructions

View Cortisol Analysis Sample Report

DIGITAL RESULTS

Results you can understand sent to your device!

Easy to Understand
Gain meaningful insights about your health with easy-to-understand test results.



Personalized 

View a personalized report, complete with clear, detailed insights into what your results mean for you and your wellness journey!

Actionable

Take charge of your health. Use your report as a roadmap to guide your next steps with confidence.



FAQ'S

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What exactly is a hair cortisol test?

It's a non-invasive test that measures cortisol levels stored in your hair, providing a picture of your stress exposure over several months rather than hours or days.

What’s the difference between blood, urine, and saliva cortisol tests?

Cortisol is commonly measured through urine, saliva, and blood tests. While these methods can offer useful insights, they typically reflect cortisol levels over a short time frame—usually just a few hours or a single day (24 hours). As a result, they are not ideal for assessing chronic or long-term stress exposure.


To address these limitations, researchers developed a more reliable method: measuring cortisol in hair tissue. This non-invasive approach has become a widely studied and validated way to assess an individual’s stress response over a period of months rather than hours, providing a more accurate picture of long-term cortisol exposure.


What are some common patterns or trends seen in cortisol levels?

  • Gender Differences: Women generally exhibit lower cortisol levels than men.
  • Chronic Conditions: Individuals with diabetes tend to show higher cortisol levels.
  • Ethnic Differences: Higher levels have been observed in Black individuals, potentially linked to hair structure (e.g., coarser hair may retain more cortisol—based on in-house findings).
  • Mental Health: Elevated cortisol is associated with depressive symptoms, though prolonged conditions like PTSD may result in lower levels due to adrenal fatigue.
  • Age Factor: Age alone does not significantly impact cortisol levels when controlling for underlying health conditions.
  • Medications: Corticosteroid use has been linked to lower hair cortisol concentrations.
  • Body Composition: Individuals with a higher BMI typically present with increased cortisol levels.
  • Hair Treatments: Dyed or chemically treated hair often shows lower cortisol readings, likely due to damage or chemical interference.
  • Seasonal Variation: Cortisol levels tend to be higher in winter, with lower levels seen in other seasons.



How far back does the hair cortisol test measure?

Each 1 cm of hair represents approximately one month of cortisol exposure. A 3 cm sample, for example, gives insights into the past 3 months.

Who can benefit from a hair cortisol test?

Anyone looking to understand how chronic stress is affecting their body—especially those with burnout, fatigue, sleep issues, or mood concerns.

Is it useful even if I feel “fine”?

Absolutely. Chronic stress can build up silently over time, and a hair cortisol test can reveal underlying imbalances before symptoms appear.

How does cortisol get into hair?

Cortisol is transported via blood vessels to the hair follicle, where it becomes embedded in the growing hair shaft, providing a biological record of stress exposure.

Does hair color or treatment affect the results?

Yes, chemically treated or dyed hair may show slightly lower cortisol levels. If your hair has been colored or treated, be sure to indicate this on your requisition form. Our testing equipment is calibrated to account for such treatments. When possible, submitting untreated hair is ideal for the most accurate results.

How long does it take to get results?

It typically takes 5 to 10 business days to receive your results after your sample has been received by the lab.