Cortisol, DHEA-S, testosterone, TSH, and fT4. Comprehensive hormone analysis for burnout and chronic stress.
Blood collection at collection point
After your order you receive instructions by email
Make an appointment at a collection point near you
Blood collection at 1,000+ locations across the Netherlands
The Extended Cortisol blood test is a comprehensive hormone analysis that goes beyond just cortisol, providing deeper insight into your hormonal balance. This test combines the stress hormone cortisol with other crucial hormones such as DHEA-S, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. It is specifically developed for people with persistent stress complaints, burnout symptoms, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or thyroid problems. By combining these hormones, you gain a complete picture of how stress affects your hormone balance.
This extended test is suitable for people with severe or long-lasting stress complaints, burnout, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or thyroid problems. Chronic stress affects not only cortisol but also other hormones. DHEA-S acts as a counterweight to cortisol and can become depleted with chronic stress. Testosterone can decrease due to long-term stress in both men and women. Thyroid function is often disrupted by chronic stress. This test provides a complete picture of how stress affects your entire hormonal system and helps in developing a recovery plan.
The results show the impact of stress on your complete hormonal system. This extended test measures:
This information helps determine which phase of stress/burnout you are in and which hormones need recovery.
Elevated cortisol indicates active stress where the adrenal glands are working overtime. This can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, weight gain around the abdomen, and increased blood pressure. High testosterone levels are rare but in women can indicate PCOS. Elevated DHEA-S can occur with but is rare. Low TSH with high fT4 indicates hyperthyroidism, which can worsen stress symptoms. This combination of abnormalities requires stress reduction, adequate rest, and possibly medication.
Low cortisol can indicate exhausted adrenal glands (adrenal fatigue) after prolonged chronic stress. Low DHEA-S is a clear sign of adrenal exhaustion and chronic stress. Low testosterone levels due to stress lead to fatigue, reduced libido, and muscle mass loss in both sexes. High TSH with low fT4 means hypothyroidism, which exacerbates fatigue. The combination of low cortisol, low DHEA-S, and low testosterone indicates severe burnout where the body can no longer properly regulate its stress response. This condition requires extensive recovery with rest, stress management, and possibly hormonal support.
This test has clinical value for specific complaints or indications, but is not intended as screening without symptoms.
Rationale for this test
Deze bundel combineert vijf afzonderlijke hormoonbepalingen die elk op zichzelf klinisch valide zijn binnen de Nederlandse reguliere geneeskunde. Cortisol, DHEA-S, testosteron, TSH en fT4 worden alle gebruikt in de diagnostiek van specifieke endocrinologische aandoeningen. De combinatie zoals hier aangeboden is echter niet opgenomen in NHG- of FMS-richtlijnen als standaard-pakket voor burn-out of chronische stress. De.
Dutch clinical guidelines and healthcare organisations
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Practical information
After ordering we generate a referral letter and email you the instructions. You pick a collection point yourself and book an appointment there. Blood is drawn at the location, processed at the lab, and your result arrives digitally.
Often within a few working days. How soon you can be seen depends on how busy the location is and the type of analysis. For specialist analyses we first ship collection materials, which takes a bit longer.
At most collection points yes. Some accept walk-ins. This is clearly indicated per location. You choose the location that works best for you.
That depends on the test. Whether fasting is required, and from what time, is clearly stated in the instructions you receive after ordering. No surprises at the counter.
It varies per analysis: from same-day to a few working days. Standard values often come back quickly; analyses that go to an external lab can take a bit longer. You receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
We work with 1,000+ collection points across the Netherlands. After ordering you'll see which locations near you are available and you pick where you'd like to go.
“Very positive experience”
From ordering to having my blood drawn, everything went smoothly and was well organised. I really appreciated being able to visit a blood collection location in my own town so quickly. I received clear instructions beforehand, and the results arrived promptly by email too. Very satisfied!
“Good communication”
This company responds to questions thoroughly and promptly. The entire process, from requesting the test to having blood drawn and receiving the results, runs very smoothly. Overall, I am very satisfied!
“Wide choice of tests, fast and affordable”
You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
“I am satisfied with the service”
I received a referral by email, just like from a GP. I did not have to send anything by post and could quickly visit a local blood collection centre. The results were fast and clear. The price was good, not too expensive, and all messages were secure.
“A very good experience”
A very good experience! I received quick answers to my questions, a custom blood test was put together, everything was arranged smoothly, and I could have my blood drawn by a healthcare professional nearby. The results were available within a few days. In short, very satisfied!
“Very good customer service”
The customer service is very good. I had a complex request, which caused an issue at the blood collection centre. Customer service resolved it very well. They also offer a wide range of tests at a reasonable price.
“Everything was well organised”
Everything was well organised. The products were delivered within a few days and, after sending in the samples, the results arrived within a few days too. Communication and information throughout the process were clear and friendly.
“Fantastic service”
Fantastic service! Very good customer service that responds quickly and thinks along with you. Good prices. I will definitely use BloedCheckup's services again.
“Very happy to have found this business”
Very happy to have found this business. We need to check our blood more often :) The process was easy. They sent me the kit at home, then I had to go to a clinic with the papers and they knew what they had to do. I got the results in less than a week.
“Smooth process and good support”
Amazing website experience. I ordered various tests for 2 people. We went to one of the supported centers and took samples. Also after the results were ready, I needed a letter from the laboratory and they prepared the letter for me in no time. Definitely recommended.
“Amazing service!”
Received a packet with everything needed, went to a walk in clinic (Amsterdam DC Clinic) where my blood was drawn and I was out the door within 5 minutes, and then after posting the samples, received results 2 days later. Results were easy to understand as well. Amazing service, would highly recommend!
“Great customer service”
I ordered a test through bloedcheckup.nl but later realized I no longer needed it. I contacted their support team, and they were very quick, responsive, and helpful in handling my cancellation. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Great customer service!