Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile

A saliva test that maps your cortisol rhythm across the day

The Adrenal Stress Profile assesses your Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal, or HPA, axis using carefully timed saliva samples of cortisol and DHEA. Saliva testing measures the unbound, biologically active form of these hormones, and it's non-invasive enough to do entirely at home. Your report plots your natural diurnal rhythm on an easy-to-read graph, so I can see the shape of your cortisol curve across the day, not just a single number.

Why HPA axis testing matters

Daily hassles, chronic pain, blood sugar swings, work stress, and strained relationships can all alter how your HPA axis functions. HPA axis dysfunction is considered a root cause across a wide range of health conditions, which is why evaluating it directly, rather than guessing from symptoms alone, is so useful.

What the Adrenal Stress Profile measures

• Cortisol, sampled four times across your day, to map your natural diurnal rhythm
• DHEA, measured once in your morning sample
• DHEA to cortisol ratio, an indicator of anabolic versus catabolic balance
• Optional Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR): two additional samples in the first 30 minutes after waking. CAR is a distinct, transient rise in cortisol upon waking that reflects your ability to cope with anticipated stress and your sense of control, giving insight into HPA axis resiliency
• Optional salivary secretory IgA (sIgA), a marker of mucosal immune function that can shift with stress

Add-on: CAR

Who this test may be right for

Imbalances in your adrenal hormones can affect far more than how tired you feel. This test may be worth considering if you're dealing with:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular concerns
• Gastrointestinal or immune issues
• Blood sugar or metabolic concerns
• Low mood
• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Weight gain that won't shift
• Persistent pain
• Brain fog or memory and thinking issues

Correcting adrenal hormone imbalances is often followed by more energy, better sleep, improved mood, and clearer thinking.

How the test works

The Adrenal Stress Profile requires 4 to 6 saliva samples collected across a single day, timed to your normal waking hour so your results reflect your true rhythm. If you add the Cortisol Awakening Response, you'll collect two extra samples within the first 30 minutes of waking, since this window is what captures HPA axis resiliency specifically.

How it works, start to finish:

1. Consult with me. We'll talk through your symptoms to confirm this is the right test for you, and whether to add CAR or sIgA.
2. Collect your samples at home. You'll get a calendar to plan your collection day and detailed instructions to follow.
3. Ship to the lab. Your samples are sent using the materials provided in your kit.
4. Review your results together. Once your report is back, we'll go through it and build a plan from there.

Before you test

Certain medications and supplements can affect your results, particularly any steroid-based preparations (oral, topical, nasal, inhaled, or injected), so let me know what you're currently taking before your kit ships. I'll never ask you to stop a medically necessary medication or supplement in order to test. This test is validated for adults; reference ranges aren't available for children.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to stop any medications or supplements before testing? Not for the purpose of testing. Some substances, especially steroid-based medications, can influence your results, so we'll go through what you're taking before your kit ships and factor it into how I read your report.

Where can I get help interpreting my results? That's what our one-to-one review is for. I'll walk you through your report, what your rhythm shows, and what to do about it.

I work shifts or an irregular schedule. Can I still test? Yes. Timing can be adjusted around your actual waking hour rather than a fixed clock, so let me know your schedule when we set up your kit.

This test is intended for educational and functional assessment purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Please discuss any changes to your health plan with your physician.