Struggling with low energy, stress, or performance issues? This test measures testosterone and cortisol, two key hormones that influence strength, recovery, metabolism, and stress response. It’s ideal for those wanting to assess hormonal balance, fitness performance, or the impact of stress on overall well-being.




Testosterone and Cortisol Blood Test
- Results estimated in 3 working days
- Convenient testing options
- Bespoke doctor’s report
- Free delivery
Includes testosterone, cortisol, and the testosterone-to-cortisol (T:C) ratio, a key marker of recovery.
How do you want to take your sample?
Please choose one option below-
Collect your own finger-prick blood sample at homeFreeWe’ll send you everything you need to collect your blood sample from your finger at home.
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Book a venous draw at a clinic Venous+£35Visit one of our national clinic partners for a nurse to take your venous blood sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.
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Book a venous draw at home with a nurse Venous+£59Book a home nurse appointment for a nurse to take your venous blood sample from a vein in your arm.
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Self-arrange a professional sample collection VenousFreeMake an appointment at a phlebotomy clinic to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.
18+ Only. T&Cs apply.
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Go beyond the numbers
Get ready to elevate your health understanding with a personalised doctor's report. Go beyond results and tap into expert insights tailored just for you.
- Actionable advice
- Expert support
- Tailored recommendations

How it works
You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.
Take control of your health with Medichecks – order your blood test today!

Track, improve, and monitor your health over time.
MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.
Supported by a team of specialist and qualified doctors
Dr Natasha Fernando
Medical DirectorDr Tina Ghela
Digital Clinician LeadDr Susanna Hayter
Digital Clinician
What's in the test?
Adrenal hormones
Cortisol
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Hormones
Testosterone
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Testosterone : cortisol
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How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Testosterone and Cortisol Blood Test by following these instructions. Take your sample between 6am and 10am. If you have an unusual sleep pattern, your cortisol results may be unreliable. If you must test, do so within 2 hours of waking and inform us in the supporting information. Corticosteroid medication can affect this test, ask your doctor whether to stop before testing. Avoid taking a finger-prick sample from a finger used to apply hormone gels/pessaries/patches in the past 4 weeks. Use gloves to apply these. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Hormonal contraception can affect the results of this test. Taking a break from this and waiting for your periods to restart before your blood test will give more accurate results.
Test limitations
Reviews
FAQs
What does testosterone do?
Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it regulates the sex drive and controls bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Heavy alcohol use, liver disease, and using steroids can cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Women taking oestrogen therapy, however, may have increased testosterone levels.
What does cortisol do?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal gland. It's vital for survival as it's involved in various functions such as immunity, regulating blood pressure, and releasing insulin for blood sugar maintenance. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone because it's secreted at higher levels during the body's fight or flight response to stress and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body.
What is the testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio?
The testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio is a marker that shows promise in assessing whether athletes are recovering well after intense training, and raised cortisol can inhibit the production of testosterone. T:C ratio is more sensitive to the stresses of training than either measure alone. Over time, you can trend your results to see how well you are recovering.
Why have the male reference ranges for testosterone changed?
The reference range for testosterone has been adjusted to have a lower limit of 12 nmol/L to reflect guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) 2022.
Our medical advice regarding testosterone levels remains the same and we advise that if your total testosterone level is between the range of 8-12 nmol/L and you have symptoms of low testosterone you may be considered eligible for testosterone replacement therapy. If your testosterone level falls within this range but you have no symptoms this is considered satisfactory and no further action is required.