Marker group

Stress Axis

Plain-English guides to the stress axis markers we measure and what your results mean, written to inform the conversation with your practitioner.

Markers in this group

Cortisol (Morning)Cortisol is your body's main stress hormone. It follows a natural daily rhythm, rising to its peak shortly after you wake up and gradually falling through the day. A morning cortisol test catches that peak, giving your GP a snapshot of how your body's stress-response system is working. Because the level shifts substantially across the day and varies between laboratories, when you collect the sample — and which lab processes it — both shape what your number means.

Reading results in this group

a little low

Stress hormones like cortisol help your body respond to challenges and maintain energy throughout the day. Levels naturally vary with time of day, sleep patterns, and stress levels.

Feeling unusually fatigued, especially in the morning? Finding it hard to cope with everyday stress?

Possible reasons:

This can relate to timing, sleep patterns, illness, or medicines.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. They may consider a repeat test at a standard time based on your symptoms and health history.

in range

Your stress hormone levels are in the expected range, supporting healthy stress response and energy regulation.

Possible reasons:

Collecting at the requested time helps interpretation.

Next steps: No follow-up is usually needed.

a little high

Higher stress hormone levels may reflect your body's response to physical or emotional stress, sleep disruption, or other lifestyle factors. Cortisol varies through the day; timing is important.

Feeling wired but tired? Difficulty switching off or sleeping?

Possible reasons:

This can relate to timing, stress, illness, or medicines.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. They can help identify contributing factors and suggest strategies that might be helpful.

Test your stress axis

NATA-accredited testing. Results in 2–5 days. No GP referral required.

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