Cortisol Diurnal Profile (Biovis)

Salivary cortisol curve tracking daily stress response and adrenal rhythm.

Cortisol Diurnal Profile (Biovis)

Table of contents

Basic data

The Cortisol Diurnal Profile (Biovis) is a salivary test that evaluates the natural fluctuations of cortisol across the day — typically measured at morning, midday, and evening timepoints. This curve reveals how well the body’s stress system (HPA axis) is functioning, and whether chronic stress, burnout risk, or circadian disruption may be present.

Cortisol should normally peak in the morning and gradually taper off throughout the day. Deviations from this pattern — such as low morning levels or elevated evening cortisol — can indicate impaired stress resilience, fatigue, or dysregulation of the circadian rhythm.

Category: Hormonal panel

Level: Intermediate

Usefulness: Medium

Level

Intermediate

Suitable for users who have addressed foundational lifestyle pillars (sleep, nutrition, exercise) and are exploring deeper insights into stress physiology, energy patterns, or chronic fatigue. Requires contextual interpretation — best paired with symptoms, lifestyle data, and practitioner input.

Usefulness

Medium

This test provides a non-invasive way to assess real-world stress physiology and circadian dynamics, with applications ranging from burnout prevention to biofeedback-driven recovery plans.
Identifies burnout risk and chronic stress

Flattened or inverted cortisol curves are strongly associated with exhaustion syndromes. Early detection allows for targeted interventions before full burnout manifests.

Maps circadian disruption

Misaligned cortisol peaks (e.g. high evening levels) may signal disrupted sleep-wake cycles, jet lag, night shift effects, or HPA axis dysregulation.

Supports individualized stress protocols

Results can guide recovery planning (e.g. adaptogens, cold exposure timing, light therapy) and align with personalized chronobiology interventions.

How it works

Cortisol is measured in saliva samples collected at specific times across one day. Saliva reflects the free, biologically active fraction of cortisol — making it a reliable marker of real-time stress load.
Saliva collection at key timepoints

Typically involves morning (e.g. 8:00), midday (12:00), and evening (20:00) samples to map the full cortisol curve.

ELISA-based analysis

Samples are analyzed using immunoassays like ELISA to determine cortisol concentrations in ng/ml, benchmarked against population reference ranges.

Measures

This test provides 3–4 point cortisol concentration readings across the day.
Morning cortisol (e.g. 8 a.m.)

Should be highest — reflects overnight adrenal activity and readiness for daily stress.

Midday cortisol (e.g. 12 p.m.)

Indicates slope of decline. Elevated values here may suggest prolonged activation.

Evening cortisol (e.g. 8 p.m.)

Should be lowest. Elevated levels may impair sleep and indicate poor HPA downregulation.

Reliability

Salivary cortisol measurement is well-validated, though timing and collection consistency are essential for accurate interpretation.
High validity for free cortisol

Reflects unbound cortisol — the biologically active portion — more relevant than total serum cortisol.

Timing sensitivity

Deviation from protocol (e.g. delayed sampling, food/drink contamination) can distort results.

Limitations

While informative, this test should be contextualized within broader lifestyle and symptom patterns.
Requires strict protocol adherence

Eating, drinking, or brushing teeth before sampling can skew results.

Isolated results may be misleading

One-day sampling doesn't capture variability across stress cycles or lifestyle shifts.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Once per year for individuals managing chronic stress or fatigue; more often if symptoms are acute or during protocol-driven recovery.

Cost

Typical costs

Approx. 400–600 PLN in Poland; includes 3–4 salivary timepoints and lab analysis.

Availability

Where available

Offered by advanced diagnostic labs like Biovis, available via some functional medicine clinics or direct-to-consumer lab providers.

Preparation

How to prepare

Avoid food, drink (except water), and oral hygiene 30 minutes before sampling. Follow precise timing instructions to ensure valid curve interpretation.

Interpretation

Interpretation focuses on shape of the curve rather than absolute numbers. Practitioner input recommended.
Flattened or inverted curve

May indicate chronic stress, burnout, or adrenal fatigue. Requires lifestyle and recovery focus.

Elevated evening cortisol

Common in insomnia, overtraining, or disrupted circadian rhythm. Suggests poor HPA axis shutdown.

Alternatives

Serum cortisol (morning draw)

Measures total cortisol in blood, typically at 8 a.m. Less useful for curve or dynamic rhythm analysis.

24-hour urinary free cortisol

Useful for identifying cortisol excess (e.g. Cushing’s), but doesn’t capture circadian rhythm.

FAQ

Can this test diagnose adrenal fatigue?

Not formally — “adrenal fatigue” is not a recognized medical diagnosis. However, abnormal curves may reflect HPA axis dysregulation and energy/stress imbalances.

Should I stop supplements or medications before testing?

Only under guidance of your physician. Some substances (e.g. corticosteroids) may affect results.