Work, family, finances, health concerns, poor sleep, and major life changes can all affect how we feel physically and emotionally.
When people experience persistent fatigue, poor sleep, or a sense of being overwhelmed, they sometimes wonder whether laboratory testing can provide answers.
The answer is nuanced.
Cortisol and Stress
Cortisol is a hormone involved in the body’s stress response.
Laboratory testing can measure cortisol, but a cortisol result is not a simple “stress score.”
Results may be influenced by factors including timing, medications, illness, sleep, and other conditions.
That is why results need appropriate interpretation.
Stress Has Many Dimensions
How someone feels may be influenced by:
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Workload
- Mental and emotional stress
- Physical activity
- Hormones
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Other lifestyle factors
Laboratory testing provides information about certain measurable markers, but it does not capture every aspect of stress or wellness.
MedDraw Stress and Fatigue Testing
MedDraw currently lists testing options such as:
- Stress & Cortisol Panel
- Comprehensive Stress & Adrenal Health Panel
- Energy & Vitality Panel
- Chronic Fatigue Panel
- Burnout & Wellness Panel
- Sleep & Fatigue Assessment Panel My Med Draw
These options can provide laboratory information for a larger healthcare conversation.
Use Results as a Starting Point
If you are experiencing ongoing fatigue, major sleep changes, or other concerning symptoms, speak with a qualified healthcare provider.
Laboratory testing can help provide useful information, but results should be interpreted together with your symptoms and medical history.
[Explore Stress & Fatigue Testing](/order-lab-tests/)
Panel names describe testing options and do not diagnose burnout, adrenal disorders, fatigue syndromes, or other medical conditions.