4 x Cortisol Saliva

Four saliva samples taken through the day to map your cortisol pattern from its morning peak to its evening low. Suited to people investigating possible over- or under-production of cortisol rather than a single snapshot reading.

  • At-home test
  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Saliva
Collection
At-home saliva sample by post
Results in
2 days
Biomarkers
4
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • Saliva Cortisol x 4

Test specifications

Sample type
saliva
Collection method
at-home saliva sample by post
Turnaround time
2 days
Biomarkers tested
4
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Blue Horizon Medicals, of 4 in total.

  • Saliva Cortisol x 4

About this test

This test collects four saliva samples over the course of a day to trace how your cortisol levels rise and fall. Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning and tapers off as the day goes on, so a single blood test only catches one point on that curve. Testing four times is used to assess whether that daily rhythm looks normal, or whether cortisol is running persistently high or low, patterns linked to conditions such as Addison's disease and Cushing's disease. The provider notes that the night-time reading is often the most informative of the four.

There's no comparison group of similar cortisol-rhythm tests in our catalogue yet, so we can't say how the £94.25 price or the four-sample format stacks up against alternatives elsewhere.

The test scores well for clinical depth, since four biomarkers puts it among the higher end of hormone tests we track, and for collection convenience, as it's done entirely at home with results back in around two days. It also scores well for results and follow-up because a doctor reviews the results. It's marked down slightly on clarity and documentation: the listing sets out the sample type, collection method and turnaround, but doesn't describe what the final report will look like. Blue Horizon Medicals works with UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs and has been trading since 2009.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you want to track your cortisol pattern across a full day rather than relying on one snapshot reading, for example when investigating fatigue, disrupted sleep or a possible imbalance in adrenal hormone output. It's a reasonable next step if a single cortisol test hasn't given a clear picture. We don't have a directly comparable four-point saliva cortisol test in our catalogue, so we can't say whether it's the cheapest or most detailed option for this specific test type. If you have persistent symptoms, see your GP alongside using this test.

How it works

You collect four saliva samples yourself at home at set points across the day and post them to the lab. The fact sheet doesn't detail the lab process beyond this. Results are typically back within 2 days, and a doctor reviews them before they reach you.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Four samples across the day capture your cortisol rhythm, not just one snapshot.
  • Fully at-home saliva collection, no clinic visit needed.
  • A doctor reviews your results before they're sent to you.
  • Turnaround of around 2 days.

Cons

  • The provider doesn't describe what the final report looks like.
  • No comparable four-point saliva cortisol test in our catalogue to check the £94.25 price against.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Four-point saliva cortisol test with a 2-day turnaround
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

This test measures cortisol across four points in the day, rather than a single blood draw, so it can show whether levels are following their normal daily rhythm. At £94.25 it has no directly comparable test in our catalogue yet, so we can't say how its price stacks up against peers. The main trade-off is that the provider doesn't say what the final report looks like.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 7.0/10

    The listing publishes a short description, some of the biomarkers by name, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 9.7/10

    4 biomarkers, placing it in the 95th percentile of hormones tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 7.0/10

    A saliva sample you take at home, no needle; results in around 2 days, slower than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 7.0/10

    Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 7.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 395 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); trading 17+ years.

  • Value for money 6.0/10

    £94.25; no comparable tests to benchmark against yet.

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

View all →

Cortisol Blood Test

Multiple collection options, priced in line with rivals

Measures cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, as an initial check when adrenal function or chronic stress is a concern. Suits anyone advised to start with a basic cortisol check.

  • At-home test
7.7 / 10

DHEA Sulphate

Same single DHEA-S marker as Medichecks, at a higher price

This test measures DHEA sulphate, a hormone your body converts into testosterone and oestrogen. It suits anyone investigating low energy, mood or hormone balance who wants a single, targeted marker rather than a full panel.

  • At-home test
7.7 / 10