This Adrenocortex Stress Profile measures the following components:
- Four cortisol samples - measured throughout the day give insight into the natural circadian diurnal cortisol rhythm and help clinicians address specific daily stressors.
- DHEA - is measured once in the 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM sample.
- The ratio of DHEA to cortisol - is calculated to provide insight into anabolic/catabolic balance.
Individuals also have the option to add-on the following test to this profile:
- Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)
- Two awakening samples to evaluate CAR.
- CAR is a transient, immediate rise in cortisol upon awakening and is distinct from the diurnal rhythm. CAR reflects a person's ability to cope with anticipated challenges and their perception of control around chronic stress, providing insight into HPA axis resiliency.
Don't hesitate to contact Walk-In Lab's Customer Service at 1-800-539-6119 if you are interested in any add-on tests, as additional fees may be applied.
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Adrenocortex Stress Profile, which measures the cortisol and DHEA levels in four saliva samples over 24 hours to screen for a hormone imbalance. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a vital body system that includes the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. The HPA axis system helps to regulate stress response and the release of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which are located near the top of the kidney. Cortisol is essential to many body functions and affects the immune and nervous systems and metabolism. In addition, cortisol also helps the body respond to stress. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone."
This Adrenocortex Stress Profile includes four daily cortisol collections due to their levels varying throughout the day, with the levels peaking in the morning. This change in the levels throughout the day is a response to various stressors. Therefore, monitoring cortisol levels, in addition to DHEA, may help screen for hormonal imbalances, underlying anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, obesity, dysglycemia, and other health conditions. Individuals may use this stress profile to evaluate hormonal effects on:
- Metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory response
- Thyroid function
- Resistance to stress
What conditions cause HPA axis dysfunction?
HPA axis dysfunction is associated with many conditions, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Cardiovascular disease
- Celiac disease
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Depression
- Hypoglycemia
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Migraine headaches
- Obesity
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Ulcers
- Weak immune system
What is the relationship between cortisol and DHEA?
Cortisol and DHEA are the primary hormones released by the adrenal glands, and both play a vital role in stress response. Although cortisol and DHEA are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, they exhibit many opposing actions. Over time, cortisol secretion can become impaired, resulting in the following:
- Inability to respond to stress
- High blood pressure
- Increased breathing
- Other physiological responses
DHEA works to counteract these effects. For example, the critical functions of DHEA are to:
- Provide substrate for the synthesis of sex hormones
- Guard against degenerative conditions associated with aging
- Influence immune function and energy production
- Affect insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, protein synthesis, and others
When should I order an Adrenocortex Stress Profile Test Kit?
Individuals may order this test kit if they have experienced symptoms related to HPA axis dysfunction. Common signs or symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction include:
- Insomnia
- Struggling upon waking up
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Blood pressure imbalance
- Poor circulation
- Impaired immune system
- Blood sugar imbalance
- Weight gain
- Brain fog or dizziness
- Fatigue
