Burnout Risk & Cortisol
✔ Cortisol controls your stress response
✔ Imbalance promotes exhaustion
✔ Blood tests provide clarity
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a hormone, that is produced in the adrenal cortex. It is released when the body is under stress. In the short term, cortisol increases alertness, mobilizes energy reserves, and helps to manage stressful situations.
It becomes problematic when stress persists. Then the cortisol level remains elevated for a longer period – or becomes imbalanced in the long term.
What happens in the body?
Burnout is more than temporary exhaustion. It is a prolonged physical and mental overload.
- Permanent increase in cortisol levels
- Disruption of sleep and recovery.
- Energy is permanently consumed
- Hormonal imbalance
Typical symptoms of a disrupted cortisol level
😴 Chronic fatigue
🌙 Sleep disorders
🧠 Concentration problems
⚖️ Weight gain
😣 Irritability
🤒 Increased susceptibility to infections
❤️ Heart palpitations & Blood pressure increase
Daily rhythm of cortisol
Morning (7–9 AM): 200–700 nmol/L
Afternoon: 100–400 nmol/L
Evening: < 100 nmol/L
In the morning, the value is physiologically at its highest to activate the body. In the evening, it should significantly decrease to allow for recovery and sleep.
Other relevant values in stress and exhaustion
Cortisol alone is often not sufficient to fully assess the stress situation. Additionally useful are:
DHEA (Stress hormone)
DHEA (Stress hormone)
Antagonist of cortisol. An imbalance may indicate chronic stress or reduced regenerative capacity.
CRP (C-reactive protein)
CRP (C-reactive protein)
Inflammation markers in the blood. Chronic stress can promote silent inflammatory processes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D
Important for the immune system, muscle function, and energy balance. Low levels can promote fatigue and susceptibility to infections.
Vitamin B12 / Folic Acid
Vitamin B12 / Folic Acid
Important for the nervous system, concentration, and cell regeneration. Deficiencies can exacerbate exhaustion and cognitive complaints.
Thyroid levels
Thyroid levels
Regulate metabolism and energy. Stress can affect thyroid function.
Blood sugar
Blood sugar
Cortisol increases blood sugar levels. Persistently elevated levels may indicate chronic stress exposure.
Blood test for home
✔ Analysis in Specialized Laboratories
✔ Digital Report Transmission
✔ Monitoring of Your Values
✔ Understandable Interpretation
This is how Probatix works
1. Take sample
2. Send to lab
3. Receive result
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Stress, Burnout, and Cortisol Levels
CRP value — what is it and why is it important?
CRP value — what is it and why is it important?
The CRP value (C-reactive protein) is an inflammation marker in the body. It indicates whether there is an acute or chronic inflammation and is often used to assess the severity and cause of inflammations.
How is the CRP value measured?
How is the CRP value measured?
The CRP value is determined by a blood test. A simple blood sample is sufficient to measure the CRP value and detect possible inflammatory processes in the body.
What reference ranges are there for the inflammation marker (CRP value)?
What reference ranges are there for the inflammation marker (CRP value)?
A normal CRP level is below 5 mg/L. Values between 5 and 10 mg/L indicate a mild inflammation, while values above 10 mg/L may suggest an acute inflammation or infection. A high CRP level is often a sign of a severe inflammation.
What can elevated CRP levels mean?
What can elevated CRP levels mean?
An elevated CRP level indicates an inflammatory reaction in the body. If the CRP level is elevated, it can have several causes. Possible causes include bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or chronic inflammations such as arthritis. Cardiovascular diseases can also be associated with slightly elevated CRP levels.
What symptoms can indicate a high CRP level?
What symptoms can indicate a high CRP level?
Since the CRP value is only a marker for inflammation, it does not indicate any specific symptoms itself. However, symptoms of inflammation can include fever, pain, swelling, fatigue, and redness. A CRP test is often performed to clarify the cause of these symptoms.
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
The hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) measures very low CRP levels and is often used to assess cardiovascular risk. While the normal CRP test measures acute inflammation, the hs-CRP test shows subtle inflammation that may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
What can I do to lower my inflammation marker (CRP level)?
What can I do to lower my inflammation marker (CRP level)?
A healthy lifestyle can help lower CRP levels. Regular exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet, adequate sleep, and stress management contribute to reducing inflammation. In cases of acute inflammation, treatment with medication may be necessary.
When should the CRP level be checked?
When should the CRP level be checked?
The CRP level should be checked if there is suspicion of an acute or chronic inflammation or if symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or fatigue occur. The hs-CRP level can also be helpful in assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Can medications affect the CRP level?
Can medications affect the CRP level?
Yes, some medications can affect the inflammatory marker (CRP level). Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can lower the CRP level. Before a CRP test, the doctor should be informed about all medications being taken.
How long does it take for the CRP level to normalize after an inflammation?
How long does it take for the CRP level to normalize after an inflammation?
The CRP level usually decreases within a few days after the cause of the inflammation has been treated. However, in chronic cases, the CRP level may remain elevated for a longer period, requiring regular monitoring.






