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Who should consider this test?

If you suffer from the following, then the cortisol and DHEA test may be indicated for you:

Mood disorders: Anxiety and depression, high stress, inability to cope
Sleep disorders: insomnia, “tired but wired”, shift work
Low energy and fatigue
Endocrine disorders: obesity, metabolic disorders, diabetes, hypothyroid, PMS, menopause symptoms, andropause (age related fatigue and symptoms in men)
Blood pressure disorders: Too high or too low

How does this test work?

This is a simple non-invasive saliva test that measures levels of cortisol and DHEA.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland 24 hours a day with diurnal variation: cortisol is normally highest in the morning within the first hour of waking and declines steadily throughout the day. Cortisol levels are normally lowest during sleep. Lifestyle, nutrition, and hormone imbalances can alter cortisol production patterns (too high, too low, inappropriate production) resulting in symptoms and lowered quality of life.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is secreted by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body.  It is the precursor hormone of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, making it important for growth and general function.  DHEA and cortisol compete with each other at the receptor level. This aspect is important since DHEA tends to decrease with age but cortisol levels remain the same or increase with prolonged stress.

The most accurate assessment of cortisol production is the 4 Point Cortisol Test where 4 saliva samples are collected throughout the day.  Conventional tests may only test cortisol once or twice a day, giving an incomplete picture of how the body is producing cortisol.

The ratio between cortisol and DHEA is also measured to help determine how to restore normal hormone balance.