The Adrenocortex Stress Profile measures cortisol and DHEA through carefully timed saliva samples. It assists in understanding a patient’s natural diurnal rhythm and the diagnosis of HPA imbalances. This test DOES NOT include the cortisol awakening response.
What is the Adrenocortex Stress Profile by Genova Diagnostics?
This test analyzes the levels of two adrenal hormones, cortisol and DHEA, in four saliva samples taken throughout the day.
The timing of samples is:
Sample 1: upon waking
Sample 2: around lunchtime
Sample 3: in late afternoon/early evening
Sample 4: at bedtime
Cortisol
Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, playing a key role in the “fight or flight” response. It increases blood sugar levels and limits non essential processes in a crisis, such as the immune response, digestion, and reproduction.
Cortisol’s production follows a diurnal rhythm, with levels peaking in the early morning and gradually tapering off throughout the day, reaching their lowest at night. This pattern helps regulate various bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles and energy management.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is another adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor to sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body and is involved in a myriad of physiological processes including immune function, energy metabolism, stress response, and the maintenance of muscle and bone mass. DHEA levels typically decrease with age.
Unlike cortisol, DHEA levels do not fluctuate significantly throughout the day, making them a reliable marker for long-term adrenal function.
The DHEA/Cortisol Ratio
Both cortisol and DHEA are essential for health and well-being, with each hormone playing distinct roles in the body’s response to stress and in maintaining physiological equilibrium. The balance between these hormones is critical, as imbalances can lead to a range of health issues.
The ratio of DHEA/Cortisol demonstrates the ratio of anabolic to catabolic processes in the body. An elevated ratio favors anabolic activity, while a decreased ratio favors catabolic activity.
An imbalanced ratio may indicate HPA axis dysfunction.
