How your hormonal system responds to stress

The Adrenal Stress Profile monitors the impact chronic stress has on the body. Chronic stress changes hormone balance and immune function and causes inflammation which contributes to acute symptoms as well as chronic diseases.

This profile provides insight into how you are handling and responding to stress. Evaluating adrenal hormone balance can provide guidance for prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Associated conditions of chronic stress

Prolonged stress responses can progress into dysfunctional hormonal patterns. Chronic stress can disrupt metabolism and ultimately contribute to neurological conditions, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin issues, and other complications. Signs or symptoms of prolonged stress or chronic metabolic dysfunction are indicators for adrenal testing.

Neurological conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, memory loss, male sexual dysfunction.
Metabolic disorders such as menstrual irregularities, obesity, thyroid diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart diseases.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux.
Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, saggy skin.
Inflammatory and Immune dysfunction such as decreased immune function, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disorders.

Panel components

The adrenal stress profile includes six saliva collection vials. While only five collections are required, an optional sixth collection is recommended for deeper insights into your hormone function. There are five to six cortisol collections and one DHEA-S collection.

Benefits of testing

Since stress and inflammation are major underlying factors in many chronic diseases, checking levels of both cortisol and DHEA can be a window into how well the body is managing this critical factor of chronic illness.

Both cortisol and DHEA, produced by the adrenal glands, affect carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, as well as thyroid hormone and sex hormone function:

Cortisol

An anti-inflammatory hormone; production is controlled through negative feedback regulation and circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle).
Maximum cortisol levels normally occur between 5 and 8 am after which levels basically decline with lowest levels occurring between 12 am and 4 am.
Suppresses immunity

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)

Reduces inflammation, supports metabolism, cardiovascular health, nervous system health, etc.
Serves as the precursor in the formation of male and female sex hormones (testosterone, estrone, estradiol).
Supports immunity

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How your hormonal system responds to stress

Associated conditions of chronic stress

Panel components

Benefits of testing