Cortisol Testing: The Key to Unlocking Better Sleep, Energy, and Weight Loss
If you're doing everything right but still feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unable to shift weight, it might be time to take a closer look at your cortisol levels.
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, and when it’s out of balance, it can destroy your energy, mood, metabolism, and sleep. There is, however, a simple test that can show you what’s really going on behind the scenes.
What Is Cortisol Testing?
Cortisol testing measures how your body is producing and managing cortisol throughout the day. One of the most accurate ways to do this is with a salivary cortisol test, which involves collecting saliva samples at specific times (morning, midday, evening, and before bed).
This gives a clear picture of your daily cortisol rhythm, and whether it's supporting or hurting your health.
Why Is Cortisol Testing Important?
Many people don’t realise their symptoms could be linked to cortisol dysregulation. You might feel:
Tired in the morning but alert at night
Wired but anxious throughout the day
Restless at bedtime or waking around 2–3am
Burnt out and slow to recover from stress
Struggling to lose weight, especially around the belly
Without testing, these issues often get dismissed or misdiagnosed. A saliva cortisol test can identify:
Adrenal fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction
Sleep-wake cycle disruption
Stress-related weight gain
When your body is most under pressure
What Can a Cortisol Test Tell You?
Here’s what we can assess:
Is cortisol too high in the evening (keeping you awake)?
Is your body flatlining and not producing enough during the day?
Are you having multiple peaks and crashes, leading to energy dips and brain fog?
Is your cortisol overactive in the morning, leaving you jittery or nauseous?
Knowing this helps build a targeted natural treatment plan using:
Adaptogenic herbs (like Ashwaganda or Rhodiola)
Nutritional support (B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C)
Sleep and circadian rhythm strategies
Stress recovery techniques tailored to your cortisol rhythm
Is Cortisol Testing Right for You?
If any of this sounds familiar, a stress hormone test could be a game-changer:
Struggling with fatigue or energy crashes
Having trouble with sleep (falling asleep or staying asleep)
Experiencing mood changes, irritability, or overwhelm
Stuck with unexplained weight gain
Feeling flat, foggy, or constantly burnt out
How to Get a Cortisol Test in Adelaide
At The Naturopathic Alchemist, I offer cortisol and adrenal testing using saliva - a non-invasive, accurate, at-home collection process.
Cost: Under $150
Time: Just 1 day of saliva samples
Value: Insights that can finally explain your fatigue, weight struggles, or sleep issues, and give you a clear plan forward
Ready to Start Feeling Better?
If you’re tired of feeling tired, don’t guess - test. Cortisol testing could be the first step to understanding your body’s stress response and taking back control of your health.
