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IMULAB

Testosterone and cortisol

Testosterone and cortisol

Regular price £102.00 GBP
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How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below
  • Collect your own finger prick sample at home  Free

    Self sampling kit containing everything you need to take your own sample at home.

  • Venous blood sample at a Superdrug Clinic  +£35.00

    Visit one of Superdrug's clinics across the UK where a healthcare professional will take your sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.

  • Book at home venous blood sample with a nurse  +£59.00

    Book an appointment for a nurse to visit your home and take your blood sample from a vein your arm. 

  • Arrange own venous sample with a healthcare professional  Free

    Make an appointment with a healthcare professional of your choice to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.

✅ Results expected within 2 working days

Looking to optimise your physical performance and manage stress levels? Our Testosterone & Cortisol Blood Test is designed specifically for men seeking insights into their hormonal health.

Why Choose This Test?

  • Testosterone: Essential for muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical health.
  • Cortisol: Known as the stress hormone, it impacts sleep quality, mood, and immune function when imbalanced.

This test measures both hormones, giving you a clearer understanding of how your body is responding to physical and mental stress.

Who Is This Test For?

  • Men aiming to improve physical performance
  • Those experiencing fatigue, poor recovery, or low energy levels
  • Individuals dealing with high stress or mood changes
  • Men looking to fine-tune their training and recovery plans

What You’ll Gain:

  • Accurate measurements of testosterone and cortisol levels
  • Insights into stress response and hormone balance
  • Data to adjust your diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle for optimal performance

Convenient Testing Options:

  • At-Home Finger-Prick Sample: Simple and convenient to perform.
  • Superdrug Partner Clinics: Accessible across the UK for professional sample collection.
  • Home Nurse Visit: Arrange for a nurse or your healthcare professional to collect a venous sample in the comfort of your home.

Fast & Secure Results:

Your results will be securely delivered via our online patient portal, typically available within two working days from receipt at our laboratory.

Take control of your hormonal health and performance—order your Testosterone & Cortisol Blood Test for Men today.

View full details

What's included in this test?

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for male characteristics and is produced in the testicles of men, and to a much lesser extent, in the ovaries of women. It regulates sex drive and plays a crucial role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, but lower than normal levels can occur at any age, causing symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy. Women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, but it is equally important for regulating libido, muscle and fat distribution, and red blood cell formation. The normal reference range for testosterone levels varies slightly depending on the laboratory and population tested, but the British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, or when levels are below 12 nmol/L, especially in men who report symptoms of low testosterone or have low levels of free testosterone.

Cortisol

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, a hormone that is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone." Cortisol plays a crucial role in various functions that are necessary for survival, including regulating blood pressure, releasing insulin to maintain blood sugar levels, and supporting the immune system.

Testosterone/Cortisol ratio

The Testosterone/Cortisol (T:C) ratio is a measure that can be used to assess an athlete's recovery after intense training. Testosterone is an anabolic hormone that aids in muscle building, red blood cell production, and improving aerobic metabolism in muscles. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone that works against testosterone by inhibiting protein synthesis and blocking anabolic signaling. The T:C ratio is a more sensitive marker than measuring testosterone or cortisol alone, as it provides a better indication of how the body is responding to the stresses of training. By tracking changes in the T:C ratio over time, athletes can monitor their recovery progress.

Sampling special instructions

Prepare for your Testosterone and Cortisol Blood Test by following these instructions. To ensure accurate results, it is recommended to take your sample before 10am. It is important to note that hormonal contraception can have an impact on this test. For more accurate results, consider taking a break from hormonal contraception and using barrier contraception instead. If you are currently taking corticosteroid medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor regarding whether to discontinue it prior to testing. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, selecting a venous sample is highly recommended to minimise any potential contamination that can occur with finger-prick tests.

If you do administer hormone supplements, make sure to use gloves and ensure that your fingers have not been in contact with these supplements for at least four weeks before the test. Keep in mind that hormones can be absorbed deeply into the skin, even with minimal contact, and may persist for weeks despite rigorous handwashing. Additionally, it is advised to refrain from taking biotin supplements for two days before the test. If you have been prescribed biotin, it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor to ensure appropriate instructions.