Biotype 4 — Copper Overload · Laboratory saliva test
Cortisol Test
A daily profile of the stress hormone cortisol — shows whether your adrenal glands are chronically overloaded. Saliva collection at home over one day, results electronically within 2 – 4 weeks.
- 5 saliva collections at home at precisely set times
- Analysis at a certified partner laboratory
- Results electronically within 2 – 4 weeks
- A screening indicator when a dysregulated stress axis is suspected — e.g. around childbirth, the menstrual cycle, or long-term stress
€149 including laboratory processing
📄 View a sample result (PDF)The at-home Cortisol Test kit includes:
What the test measures
What the test measures. Measures the level of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva throughout the day — the so-called daily cortisol profile. It includes 5 collections: the first three samples are collected in the morning and combined into a morning value (morning pool), with further collections taken during the day and in the evening.
Why saliva and not blood. Salivary cortisol measures the biologically active (free) fraction of the hormone — the one that actually affects cells. Blood tests capture total cortisol, including the portion bound to proteins, which can be misleading. Saliva allows for simple collection at home throughout the day.
Who the test is suitable for
Symptoms appeared after childbirth, or worsen around the menstrual cycle, ovulation, or during menopause. Can't get going in the morning, can't switch off at night. Hormonally sensitive profile.
Symptoms commonly associated with copper overload:
If you're not sure whether copper overload is your most likely biotype, you can first take the free orientational screening (4 – 6 minutes). Read more about the biotype on the Copper overload — symptoms and path to a solution page.
How collection and evaluation work
What the daily profile reveals. A healthy cortisol curve has a pronounced peak in the morning and declines steadily through the day. A disrupted profile can reveal: too-low morning cortisol (difficulty waking, chronic fatigue, exhaustion), an inverted curve (afternoon energy crash), or too-high evening cortisol (insomnia, racing mind before sleep).
- Order the test via the contact form — select "Cortisol Test" and fill in your delivery details.
- We'll email you payment details and collection instructions.
- Once payment is received, we arrange for the saliva collection kit to be sent from the partner laboratory.
- Collect the saliva samples at home at 5 set times over the course of one day and send them back by courier.
- You'll receive the result — your daily cortisol profile — by email within 2 – 4 weeks.
Contents of the test kit: 7× colored saliva collection tubes (Saliva) · 7× straws and time-labeled stickers · 2× shipping containers · 1× blue shipping bag · collection instructions and accompanying form.
What the test reveals — and what it doesn't
A healthy cortisol curve has a pronounced peak in the morning and declines steadily through the day. The test reveals deviations from this curve — too-low morning cortisol, an inverted curve (afternoon energy crash), or too-high evening cortisol — and together with serum copper levels provides a biochemical picture of copper overload.
The test is not a medical diagnosis. PsyLab is an intermediary for lab tests from certified European partners — always discuss the result with your treating physician, who alone can establish a diagnosis and recommend treatment.
Frequently asked questions about the cortisol test
How exactly does the cortisol test work?
The test is done from saliva, which you collect at home at precisely set times over the course of one day (5 collections). You then send the samples by post to a partner laboratory. You will receive the result — a daily cortisol profile — electronically within 2 – 4 weeks.
How much does the cortisol test cost?
The cortisol test (daily stress profile from saliva) costs €149. The price includes the complete collection kit, processing at the partner laboratory, and electronic delivery of the result.
Why saliva and not blood?
Salivary cortisol measures the biologically active (free) fraction of the hormone — the one that actually affects cells. Blood tests also capture cortisol bound to proteins, which skews the result. Saliva also allows for multiple collections throughout the day easily, at home, without repeated laboratory visits.
What symptoms suggest I should get the test?
Typical signals are difficulty waking in the morning, an afternoon energy crash, a "racing" mind before sleep, symptoms that worsen around the menstrual cycle, ovulation, postpartum, or during menopause — especially if standard blood tests come back "normal".
Is the test result a medical diagnosis?
No. PsyLab is an intermediary for lab tests, not a healthcare facility. The result is a laboratory measurement that should always be discussed with your doctor — only they can establish a diagnosis and treatment.
After a positive result
For copper overload, the common next step is Adrenal Complex — adrenal support after prolonged stress. Exact dosing is handled in the Consultation with a Doctor / Therapist (€149).
Ready to order the cortisol test?
We'll fill in the order for you, send payment details, and arrange the collection kit.