Calculator

Cortisol risk calculator

8 questions. 60 seconds. A rough read on whether your cortisol is likely elevated.

Question 1 of 8
How many hours do you typically sleep?
Question 2 of 8
Do you wake feeling rested?
Question 3 of 8
How would you describe your stress level day-to-day?
Question 4 of 8
Have you noticed weight gain around your midsection?
Question 5 of 8
How much caffeine do you drink per day?
Question 6 of 8
Do you crave sugary or salty foods?
Question 7 of 8
Mood: anxious, irritable, or wired-but-tired?
Question 8 of 8
Do you exercise intensely (>5 days/week)?

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is a cortisol risk quiz? +
Symptom-based quizzes capture self-reported patterns associated with elevated cortisol. They're useful for identifying whether you should pursue real testing (saliva, blood) or biometric tracking — but they're not diagnostic. The most accurate read on your cortisol pattern comes from continuous HRV and sleep monitoring with a wearable.
Should I take a cortisol test if I score high? +
A high score is worth discussing with a doctor, especially if symptoms have been present 3+ months. The most common cortisol tests are 4-point salivary cortisol (best for circadian pattern) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol. Blood cortisol is less useful because it's highly time-dependent.
What are the most common signs of high cortisol? +
The most reliable markers are: difficulty falling asleep despite exhaustion, waking 3–5 AM, weight gain concentrated around the midsection, sugar/salt cravings, and feeling "wired but tired." These are also captured in this quiz.
How long does it take to lower cortisol? +
Acute interventions (breathing, walking, sunlight) can lower cortisol within minutes. Lifestyle changes (better sleep, less alcohol, regular exercise) show measurable changes in cortisol patterns within 2–4 weeks. Severe chronic elevation may take 3–6 months to fully normalize.