Cortisol & DHEA Test (Large)
Map your cortisol across a full day without a GP referral. Six-point saliva test with the cortisol awakening response, analysed in a NATA-accredited Aus lab.
Product details: AUD 259 — InStock — SKU 1012 — GetTested
About this test – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Large)
Symptoms related to cortisol levels
Higher cortisol levels may be associated with:
Feeling wired, restless, or unable to relax
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Increased stress or feeling overwhelmed
Tension or irritability
Lower cortisol levels may be associated with:
Fatigue or low energy
Difficulty waking in the morning
Reduced resilience to stress
Low motivation or energy dips throughout the day
When is this test relevant?
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Difficulty waking in the morning
Feeling wired, restless, or unable to relax in the evening
Fluctuations in energy throughout the day
Ongoing stress or feeling overwhelmed
Sleep disturbances or non-restorative sleep
Interest in a more detailed view of cortisol patterns, including the response to waking
How it works
Collect saliva samples at six time points: upon waking (6–8 AM), +30 minutes, +60 minutes, at noon, at 4 PM, and at 9 PM
Send your sample to the laboratory using the prepaid return envelope
Your sample is analysed at a NATA-accredited laboratory
Receive your digital results within 3–5 days
You can also use our AI-based chat to help interpret your results.
Key information
Sample type: Saliva
Sampling: 6 saliva samples collected from morning to evening (including the cortisol awakening response)
Turnaround time: 3–5 days from when the lab receives your sample
Results: Delivered digitally
Laboratory: NATA-accredited laboratory (ISO 15189)
Shipping: Return shipping included
Accredited Laboratory
Your sample is analysed at a NATA-accredited laboratory in Australia, operating in accordance with ISO 15189 standards for medical testing. This ensures that all analyses are performed using validated methods and strict quality control procedures.
Biomarkers included – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Large)
- DHEA-S: DHEA-S is a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens. Compared with DHEA, DHEA-S is more stable in the bloodstream and is therefore commonly measured to evaluate adrenal androgen production. Levels typically peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age. Elevated DHEA-S may be seen in conditions associated w
- Cortisol: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, known as the body's primary stress hormone. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure, making its levels important for assessing stress response and adrenal function.
How to prepare – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Large)
Avoid food, caffeine, and tooth brushing for 30 minutes before each collection. Avoid Biotin for 72 hours and DHEA supplements for 48 hours. Follow the strict timing for morning samples (Waking, +30, +60 minutes).
Frequently asked questions – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Large)
What is the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)?
The CAR is the sharp rise in cortisol that occurs in the first 30-60 minutes after waking. It acts as a "mini-stress test" for your HPA axis and is a key indicator of your capacity to handle daily stress and metabolic demands.
Do I need to stop supplements or medications before the test?
For the most accurate baseline, it is often recommended to pause DHEA supplements for 24-48 hours. You should also avoid Biotin supplements for 72 hours prior to collection as they can interfere with lab assays. Always discuss the use of prescription steroid inhalers or creams with your physician before testing.
Why is a saliva test better than a blood test for cortisol?
Saliva measures "free" (bioavailable) cortisol, which is the hormone actually active in your tissues and available to your cells. Blood tests typically measure "total" cortisol, which is approximately 90% bound to proteins and does not accurately reflect your active stress rhythm.
Customer reviews – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Large)
4.6/5 (5)
- 5/5 — Very helpful for tracking my recovery progress.
- 5/5 — The data I got back was exactly what I needed to understand my long term fatigue.
- 4/5 — The instructions are very clear but make sure you set a timer for the morning samples or you'll miss the window.
- 4/5 — Results arrived quickly and confirmed my suspected HPA issues.
- 5/5 — Fast shipping and easy to follow.