3-Point Cortisol Test

Covered categories: Health Tests

Cortisol Test
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and low blood glucose. It plays a key role in regulating metabolism, immune function, and the body’s stress response—often called the “fight-or-flight” reaction. We measure cortisol levels to understand how the body is handling stress, as chronic elevation of cortisol can lead to issues like suppressed immune function, sleep disturbances, and metabolic imbalances. Tracking cortisol helps pinpoint whether stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, exercise routines, or lifestyle changes) are effectively keeping stress responses in check.

A 3-point cortisol test, often referred to as a “diurnal cortisol test,” measures cortisol levels at three different times of the day to assess the adrenal gland’s function and the body’s stress response. The 3-point salivary cortisol test may be more beneficial for those who are looking to confirm the presence of abnormalities or underlying diseases through repeat testing throughout the day compared to a blood test. Ultimately, the main difference between the saliva and blood tests is that the three-point test is more diagnostic in nature, especially for conditions that affect cortisol rhythm, while the fingerprick test is more suited for general monitoring.Method: saliva