Cortisol wands: testing schedule, Stress Signal, and resultsUpdated 9 minutes ago
Find answers about Mira’s new cortisol wands, including when to test, how baseline tracking works, and how to understand the Stress Signal and Diurnal Rhythm features during beta.
Testing Schedule
When exactly should I take my second test?
Take your second test about 10–12 hours after you wake up, at roughly the same point in your day each time. For example, if you wake at 7 AM, test between about 5 and 7 PM. Your clock time can change with your schedule. Consistency relative to your wake time matters more than testing at the same literal hour.
Does my schedule depend on my cycle day or period?
No. The cortisol testing schedule does not depend on your cycle day or period.
How long is the baseline establishment period?
It typically takes 7 tests. After that, the app builds your personal baseline range. Mira may ask you to test for a couple of additional days if more data is needed or if some data points were not consistent.
Stress Signal
What is the Stress Signal?
Stress Signal is a personalized beta wellness score that combines your cortisol test result with information from your questionnaire, such as sleep, mood, and your reported stress level. It is an aggregated metric that takes into account the data available to Mira.
Why do I only see one Stress Signal per day if I tested twice?
The chart shows the latest value received for that day. If you test more than once, the score updates, but only the most recent value is displayed. It is adjusted for your diurnal rhythm, so the latest Stress Signal represents the pattern of your day.
My Stress Signal seems wrong or does not match how I feel. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily. After each result, the app asks whether it matches how you feel right now. Your feedback helps Mira understand and refine result accuracy during beta. Your body signals and feelings do not always match, and that does not necessarily mean there is an error.
Is Stress Signal a medical diagnosis?
No. Stress Signal is a beta wellness indicator, not a diagnostic tool. Do not use it to make medical decisions. If you have questions about symptoms, medication, or treatment, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Diurnal Rhythm chart
What is the Diurnal Rhythm chart, and why don’t I see it?
The chart shows how your cortisol changes across the day, such as morning versus evening. It appears only when you test two or more times per day.
What do the pattern names mean?
Pattern names, such as normal or reversed, are calculated from your daily results. The pattern is provided after your second test of the day is completed.
What is baseline by time of day?
After you complete enough tests at consistent times, the app builds separate baselines for morning, evening, and other testing times. Your results are then compared with what is typical for you at that time of day, rather than with a generic range.
Results and questionnaires
Why am I asked the same questionnaire every day?
Your questionnaire answers influence your Stress Signal results and help Mira study connections between behavior and stress during beta.
What happens if I skip a questionnaire?
Questionnaire answers are currently required. There is no skip option because the Stress Signal calculation depends on that day’s answers.
Why does my result say “compared to baseline” instead of showing a fixed range?
After your baseline is established, the app compares each new result with your personal baseline instead of a general population range. The same raw number may therefore be interpreted differently for two different testers.
What does “cortisol level is lower than my baseline” or “higher than my baseline” mean?
It means today’s result differs from your personal typical range. The app may provide a short explanation of what that can indicate, but it is not a clinical interpretation.
Important: Stress Signal and cortisol results are beta wellness information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about symptoms, medication, or treatment decisions.