Getting a Gauge on Your Stress Levels

Let’s talk about the many faces of stress. Stress is being burned out at work, but feeling like you must persevere because of the pile of unpaid bills on the kitchen counter. Stress is making a family decision, knowing your in-laws will criticize it. It’s being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic while already 30 minutes late to an appointment. It’s realizing you have to figure out what you need to eat for dinner tonight and every night for the rest of your life. Many factors contribute to stress, so it’s best to stay aware of how your body is reacting to it.

For the last two years, our stress levels have heightened in the wake of the global pandemic. According to a new study from the American Psychological Association, 32 percent of Americans said they are so stressed about the pandemic that they struggle to make fundamental decisions such as what to wear or what to eat. It’s completely derailed many of our daily routines, making work and personal life infinitely harder to navigate. As our lives become more complicated, our bodies adjust, and not always in the healthiest way. 

We’ve all experienced it — whether an argument with your spouse or a work assignment that just isn’t going your way, our stress symptoms start as a response. Your heart starts racing, your muscles tighten, you get a stomachache. During a time like this, a hormone called cortisol (hydrocortisone) is going to work. Cortisol is released to help your body deal with stress, but it can be more harmful than helpful if your cortisol levels are too high or too low.

Cortisol is released by your adrenal glands, which are right above your kidneys. It also helps our bodies manage how we use carbohydrates, fats, proteins and controls our wake and sleep cycles. A study released one year after The World Health Organization announced the global pandemic states 67 percent of Americans reported unwanted changes in their sleep patterns. Cortisol suppresses what your body doesn’t need in a “fight-or-flight” situation. Essentially, it kicks in your instincts and is crucial to our survival. Of course, all things require balance, especially when it’s within your own body, so let’s look at what happens when your cortisol levels are unbalanced.

Too much cortisol can cause conditions like: 

• Hyperglycemia
• Obesity
• Decreased bone density
• Increased blood pressure
• Damage to the heart

Too little cortisol can cause the opposite effect:

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness

Any of those symptoms above would add undesired effects to your life. If you’re currently experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to find out what’s going on. According to a 2021 health study, since the pandemic began, nearly half of Americans, a whopping 47 percent, said they have delayed or canceled their healthcare services. 

A Simple Solution

Any Lab Test Now^® is the best choice for a fast and safe health experience. We provide the doctor’s order so you can walk in without an appointment and choose from thousands of testing options.

 Our facilities offer affordable lab testing options to help both you and your doctors monitor your body’s response to stress. The Cortisol Lab Test is a blood test used to measure the level of cortisol in the blood. This test can provide an indication if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Or try the Saliva Cortisol Test, which can determine your cortisol level via a saliva sample. 

New Year, Better You!

We’ve developed many unhealthy habits as COVID-19 has deterred us from being our best mentally and physically. However, you can make that change today. It’s time to focus on a new year and a better you! Take the first step towards better health in 2022 by testing your cortisol levels. Any Lab Test Now® has more than 200 locations available nationwide.

Click this link to find your nearest Any Lab Test Now and schedule an appointment.

 

The Battle of the Bulge

Is Your Body Resistant to Weight Loss?

Every January, many of us make a resolution to make a change in our lives. One of the promises that we make to ourselves is to lose weight. But following through on that resolution can get derailed if you don’t see results. How many times have you cut carbs and turned down dessert only to see the scale move in the wrong direction? While certainly discouraging, it may be a sign your body is resistant to weight loss. There are several blood tests that can help you determine the reasons behind your battle of the bulge.

Determine Your Vitamin D Levels

Did you know there is a correlation between your weight and vitamin D? Studies show a vitamin D deficiency is one of the causes of common obesity.

Vitamin D is considered the “sunshine vitamin” since sunlight is the main source. During the winter months, most of us are indoors, and the sunny source of our vitamin D is not as available. When you are deficient in this vitamin, our bodies think it is winter and start to pack on the pounds — almost like a bear getting ready to hibernate for the winter! Proper vitamin D levels can help the body counter this storage of excess body fat and help some people lose weight.

You can easily find out your vitamin D levels with a blood test like the one offered at Any Lab Test Now. Results come back within 24–72 hours, after which you can discuss with your doctor to determine what dose of supplements are needed to help shed the extra pounds.

Click here for more information about the Any Lab Test Now Vitamin D test.

Check Your Cortisol

Times of tension are also a trigger of weight gain. When we are under stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone increases our food cravings, leading us to overeat. It can also cause us to store more body fat. Most of the time, our bodies will go back to normal. However, if you are under constant stress, you’ll find yourself on an unwanted trip on the weight gain train.

Aside from removing the cause of your stress (which is not always easy to do), there are a few things you can do to calm your cortisol — such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and meditating.

First, you must determine if stress is causing you to shop for stretchy pants. Any Lab Test Now has two different types of tests to measure your cortisol, including a simple saliva test. No fasting is required, and like all our tests, no appointment is necessary.

Click here for more information about the Any Lab Test Now Cortisol Hormone test.

Learn Your Liver Level

Another test from Any Lab Test Now that could get to the root of your struggles with weight is a complete liver panel. Your liver plays a part in processing dietary fat by producing a substance called bile, which is stored in your gallbladder and enters your bloodstream during food digestion, where it breaks fat down into molecules that are small enough to pass through the lining of your intestinal wall.

Poor liver function will allow fat and toxins to build up, and metabolism will slow down, leading to an accumulation of fat around the belly.

Click here for more information about the Any Lab Test Now Liver panel.

Total Thyroid Testing

Thyroid function is connected to our metabolism and weight. It is well known that hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid, can cause a slow metabolism, lead to weight gain and a higher body mass index. The Thyroid Federation International estimates there are up to 300 million people worldwide suffering from thyroid dysfunction, yet over half are presumed to be unaware of their condition.

Unfortunately, not enough primary care physicians don’t recognize hypothyroidism because they don’t order a complete thyroid blood panel like the one offered at Any Lab Test Now. You won’t need a doctor’s prescription to get this blood test (or any of our tests, for that matter). If your results show trouble with your thyroid, you can work with your physician on the steps to get it back under control and your weight, too.

Click here for more information about the Any Lab Test Now Thyroid panel.

Be at Ease

Any Lab Test Now wants you to be at ease when it comes to seeking out any type of lab work, including finding out what might be behind the cause of your weight gain.

We provide you a safe and clean alternative location for lab work. Each of our 185+ stores are sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you manage your family’s healthcare so you can make educated decisions that will directly affect your quality of life. We want to put you at ease during the coronavirus outbreak. We are here to help.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Cortisol Testing

Managing Stress Promotes Healthy Cortisol Production

When taking steps to improve your health, keeping stress levels low is as important as your diet and exercise routine.

Stress is the body’s normal reaction to change, according to Cleveland Clinic. High levels of stress can be detrimental to your health. The major causes of stress are work, money and healthcare. Six out of 10 adults attribute money and work as significant sources of stress, according to a survey of 3,617 adults conducted by the American Psychological Association. Many Americans also cite mass shootings, discrimination and climate change as major causes of stress in 2019, the APA reports. Juggling work assignments, family commitments and social activities keeps many Americans busy. Crowded calendars are challenging, but when a busy lifestyle causes stress, it’s time to be concerned.

Any Lab Test Now offers a fast and convenient test to determine if your body is feeling the negative effects of stress. The Cortisol Hormone Test is the least invasive way to measure the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and the pituitary gland. Cortisol is a crucial hormone that helps break down fat and protein. It stimulates liver glucose production and helps maintain blood pressure and regulate the immune system. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. It is responsible for boosting energy during a stressful situation, according to the Society for Endocrinology. Chronic stress can cause cortisol levels to remain high and have a negative impact on your health.

Symptoms of high cortisol

Too much cortisol can wreak havoc on your health. Some of the signs your body is producing too much stress hormone are:

• Weight gain
• Acne, thinning skin and bruising
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating
• High blood pressure
• Headache
• Cushing’s Syndrome — a relatively rare disorder that could result from taking glucocorticoid-steroids for a prolonged period, or an adrenal tumor.

If left untreated, high cortisol levels can cause a host of problems, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and mental health issues. High cortisol production in women over a prolonged time can decrease sex drive, the Society for Endocrinology reports.

Symptoms of low cortisol

Low cortisol can be life-threatening and may be due to a problem with the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland. Addison’s Disease occurs when the adrenal gland fails and is extremely rare, but is treatable with cortisol replacements, according to the Society for Endocrinology. The symptoms of low cortisol include:

• Fatigue and mood changes
• Dizziness
• Weight loss and muscle weakness
• Darkening of regions of the skin

Lower cortisol levels naturally

If your Saliva Cortisol Test from Any Lab Test Now comes back high, there are natural steps you can take to manage your cortisol level, in addition to visiting your physician.

• Sleep. Being well-rested reduces your body’s stress levels.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps people sleep better, which can lower cortisol production at night.
• Learn to relax. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you identify your stress level and keeps your body from overproducing cortisol.
• Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can increase the production of cortisol.
• Find a hobby. Taking time each day for fun activities that you enjoy can help reduce stress.

Impacts of medication

Certain medications can alter cortisol levels. Corticosteroid medications used to treat chronic conditions like asthma and arthritis can raise cortisol levels. Oral contraceptives and other estrogen medications also impact cortisol levels. If you feel like your medication might be interfering with your cortisol levels, please consult with your health care professional.

Get tested at Any Lab Test Now

With more than 180 locations nationwide, Any Lab Test Now can help decrease your stress by making sure your cortisol is at an optimum level. Most test results will be given to you within an average of one to three days. Any Lab Test Now offers affordable, direct-access healthcare that fits your busy lifestyle. Visit your local Any Lab Test Now to take control of your health today.

Too High Or Too Low: The Danger Behind Cortisol Levels

Every day, every hour, every minute, your body is performing a delicate balancing act. Levels of nutrients, water, hormones, it doesn’t take much for one imbalance to throw the whole thing off. That’s the case with the hormone cortisol.

Cortisol is commonly referred to as the stress hormone because it’s the hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is best known for helping with your body’s “fight or flight” instinct. But it’s responsible for so much more than that — everything from blood pressure to blood sugar is affected by cortisol, which is why it’s so important that you keep this hormone in balance. Any Lab Test Now can help you take control of your hormone health with a wide range of tests that can provide you with information vital to your daily wellbeing. Since it touches so many body functions, the Saliva Cortisol Test is a good place to start if you are showing symptoms of an imbalance

Stressed-Out Symptoms!

When it comes to cortisol levels, they naturally rise and fall throughout the day, usually associated with your sleep pattern. Basically, you would find your highest levels in the morning when you are waking up… and the lowest levels dropping off after midnight when you are sleeping. Signs that you may have a cortisol imbalance are pretty common symptoms of other things as well, making diagnosis difficult, but basically here are symptoms you might experience:

Too Much Cortisol

*Obesity *Excessive thirst *Excessive urination *Muscle weakness *High blood pressure *Increased blood sugar *Headaches *Backaches *Depression

Too Little Cortisol

*Fatigue *Muscle weakness *Dark patches on the skin *Hypoglycemia *Diarrhea *Constipation *Vomiting *Weight loss

If you are experiencing unusual, unexplained symptoms, then the Saliva Cortisol Test may provide information that will help you and your doctor diagnose your condition.

Cortisol Related Conditions

There’s still a lot of research being conducted on how cortisol imbalances affect our bodies. Obviously being in a constant state of stress will increase your cortisol production and lead to a cascade of health problems including heart disease, sleep problems, obesity, and depression.

Cushing syndrome is a condition that occurs when your body begins to make too much cortisol. It’s a condition associated with obesity and diabetes. On the flipside, Addison’s disease occurs when your body isn’t making enough cortisol. It is often characterized by skin changes, weight loss, low blood pressure, and fatigue. Researchers are also beginning to connect high cortisol levels with memory loss which makes it all the more important to know where you stand.

Get the Low-Down on Your Levels

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for you to know your levels. The Saliva Cortisol Test is, as the name implies, a simple saliva test. You will have to fast at least twelve hours prior to collecting your specimen. You don’t need a doctor’s orders to take any test at Any Lab Test Now, putting you in control of your own health. You don’t even need an appointment! Just walk in to your closest Any Lab Test Now location. You’ll be greeted by a professional staff member who can help you make the most informed choice for your health.

Your Body’s Response to Stress

Remember being a child? You’d stub your toe or bring home a bad grade on your report card, and it would feel like the end of the world – for about five minutes. Then, you’d race out the door to giggle with friends or fly on the swings or shoot hoops at the playground.

Back then, there were stressful moments, but more often than not, they were short-lived. Now that you are a grownup, however, you may find it more difficult to let go of stress. Stress may be staying with you, day after day and week after week. After all, many people struggle to simply balance day-to-day responsibilities. Then, if something more severe happens, such as becoming a long-term care giver or losing a job, it becomes nearly impossible to remove stress from your life.

Your Body and Stress

The feelings you have during short-term stress are healthy, natural physical responses. When your body encounters a stressful situation, it releases a steroid hormone called cortisol. This hormone triggers the “fight or flight” response that puts your body on high alert so that you can more effectively cope with the perceived threat. When this happens, you may feel your heart racing, tummy tighten, breath quicken or even a sudden burst of energy.

You feel these things because cortisol is telling your primary systems, like your breathing and circulatory systems, to accelerate. At the same time, it tells your secondary systems, like your reproductive and immune systems, to slow down, allowing all of your energy to shift towards coping with the threat.

Once the threat has passed, your cortisol levels should slowly subside and your systems should return to normal functioning.

Too Much Stress; Too Much Cortisol

But, what happens when the stressful situation(s) never ends? What happens when your body has so much cortisol coursing through it that it remains on high alert for long periods of time?

When that happens, your systems never reset themselves. Your body may over-tax your primary systems or not restore your secondary systems to normal functioning, leading to issues like:

• High blood pressure
• Digestive issues
• Weight gain
• Depression or anxiety
• Decreased libido
• Reduced energy
• Reduced immunity
• Muscle weakness

If you’re feeling any of these symptoms for unexplained reasons, it could be that you’ve been battling stress for too long and your cortisol levels aren’t dropping as they should. Cortisol saliva tests or cortisol blood tests can both be used to quickly evaluate your cortisol levels so that you can find out if they are at an unhealthy level.

Coping with Stress

If you find that your cortisol levels are too high, it’s important to take steps to reduce your stress and begin restoring your body to its natural functioning. Of course, talking with your doctor will provide options that fit your health status and lifestyle, but these may include:

• Exercising
• Learning to slow down (Think yoga, meditation, massage)
• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Evaluating your priorities and taking steps to remove non-necessary commitments
• Employing self-care practices
• Embracing your creative side

Having some stress in your life is natural, but if you start to question the impact that stress is having on your overall health and well-being, it’s time to take back control. Walk in to your local Any Lab Test Now location to get the answers you need about your cortisol level. Once you know, you’ll have one less thing to stress over!

Stressed And The Holidays Aren’t Even Here Yet? Check Your Cortisol Level.

From a baby’s cry to fast-paced work projects, people are faced with stresses on a regular basis. In response to these daily demands, the body releases a naturally occurring steroid hormone, called cortisol. Cortisol helps regulate muscles, cardiovascular function, digestion and other systems. This gives you the extra energy and mobility you need to fight through a stressful situation. As your cortisol levels increase, you may experience increased appetite, cravings for sugar and weight gain. Then, as the stressful situation comes to an end and you no longer need the extra energy, cortisol levels should return to normal.

Prolonged stress, however, means that cortisol is being produced regularly. When this happens, it can build up in the body without an outlet for release. This keeps your internal systems heightened and on high alert which can cause damage or fatigue. Risks resulting from chronic increased levels of cortisol are serious and include:

• Lower immune function
• Lower bone density
• Learning and memory issues
• Weight gain, particularly in the abdomen
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Depression

Is your cortisol level high?
Hormone testing, including the Saliva Cortisol Test or the Total Cortisol Test, can determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Because cortisol levels naturally adjust throughout the day, the test may be required both early in the morning and again in the afternoon for the most accurate results.

What should I do about high cortisol levels?
Normal cortisol levels typically range from 6 to 23 micrograms per deciliter. Higher cortisol levels may be an indicator of Cushing disease or long-term, unmanaged stress. Low cortisol levels may be an indicator of Addison’s disease or hypopituitarism. In either case, your doctor will help you understand your test results and recommend any additional treatment options.

Stress management techniques may also prove effective in reducing higher than normal cortisol levels. From healthier eating and increased physical activity to meditation and deep breathing, stress management techniques provide your body with an outlet for releasing built-up cortisol and help bring your levels back into a healthier range.

If you regularly find yourself under stress, even if it is stress that stems from a positive experience, consider a  Saliva Cortisol Test or the Total Cortisol Test to live a healthier life and avoid long-term health issues.

Cortisol and Stress: How the Body Reacts

Cortisol has been termed as the “stress hormone” and it is usually increased under stressful responses when the body is experiencing a “fight or flight” response. Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal gland. The following functions are involved with normal levels of cortisol release; proper glucose metabolism, blood pressure regulation, immune function, and inflammatory response.

Normally, cortisol is higher in the morning and at its lowest at night. In our new modern day culture of sitting in the car during rush hour, lack of exercise and economic distress, the cortisol levels in our bodies are elevated for an extended period of time without having the chance to return to normal. This is known as chronic stress, which can contribute to blood sugar imbalance (hyperglycemia), decreased bone density, high blood pressure, metabolism imbalance and decreased immune system.

Having an increased cortisol level can be either physiologic or pathologic. Having a cortisol test done can measure your stress hormone levels throughout the day to see if you are having an abnormal spike of your cortisol at a certain time of the day, or a continuous increase of cortisol levels. Stress can be a contributor to a multitude of disease states. Cortisol level testing would be a great add on to any of our tests or panels offered through Any Lab Test Now.