An increased cortisol level, a decreased DHEA-S level, or a
decrease in the DHEA-S cortisol ratio is an indication of a
chronically stressful physical or mental condition.
Stress is a major underlying cause of many chronic illnesses,
from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to food and environmental allergies.
A stressful lifestyle can lead to consistently high levels of
cortisol and low levels of DHEA (dehydoepiandosterone), which can
be damaging to the brain and other tissues. Cortisol elevation also
impacts immune responses, such as secretory IgA (sIgA) and
antigliadin antibody (AGA) production. The Adrenal Stress
Profile is a measure of an individual's response to
stress. It is also an important tool for pointing to adrenal
imbalances that may be impacting a patient's health.
The adrenocortical hormones, cortisol and DHEA, are steroids
that affect carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. They also
serve as modulators of thyroid function and help the body manage
stress. When levels of DHEA and cortisol change, it may indicate
significant variations in adrenal function that can impact an
individual's energy levels, emotions, and even disease
resistance.
Secretion of cortisol, regulated by the sleep-wake cycle, is
characterized by a steep increase in the early morning, followed by
a gradual tapering off until late evening. Stress causes elevated
cortisol levels, which continue as long as the stressor is present.
Stress also overrides negative feedback of cortisol in the
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenocortex (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress,
causing increased secretion of cortisol, may lead to hypertrophy of
the adrenal cortex over time.
Among other functions, DHEA serves as a metabolic intermediate
in the pathway for synthesis of testosterone, estrone, and
estradiol in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. Since DHEA in
plasma has a very short half-life, most of circulating DHEA is in
the sulfate form (DHEA-S). DHEA-S provides a ready source of DHEA
for the production of estrogens and androgens.
The Adrenal Stress Profiles from Metametrix use
a non-invasive salivary procedure to monitor the activity of the
adrenal cortex and its ability to react to stress. The procedure
monitors the circadian variation of cortisol and DHEA-S levels. An
increased cortisol level, a decreased DHEA-S level, or a decrease
in the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio is an indication of a chronically
stressful physical or mental condition.
Metametrix Adrenal Stress Profile features:
- Simple, timed salivary specimen collections.
- The Adrenal Stress Profile is an economical
alternative, especially for follow-up testing.
When the Adrenal Stress Profile indicates an
inappropriate hormonal stress response, it is necessary to consider
stress reduction through diet and lifestyle modification, and
nutritional supplementation to support adrenal gland activity and
enhance the restoration of the physical barrier in the gut.
Test name(s)
0243 - Adrenal Stress*
Description
The Adrenal Stress Profile uses a non-invasive salivary procedure to monitor the activity of the adrenal cortex and its ability to react to stress. The procedure monitors the circadian variation of the cortisol and DHEA-S levels. An increased cortisol level, a decreased DHEA-S level, or a decrease in the DHEA-S/cortisol ratio is an indication of a stressful physical or mental condition. When the adrenal stress profile indicates an inappropriate hormonal stress response, it is necessary to consider stress reduction along with diet, exercise, and nutritional supplementation to support adrenal gland activity.
Method
EIA
Turnaround time
5-10 days, 8 days average
Analytes
Cortisol (4 timed measurements)
DHEAs (2 timed measurements, averaged)
*Not available in New York
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