Adrenal Stress KitAdrenal Stress Kit

Adrenal Stress Test Kit

$170.00

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Description

The profile tests the adrenal hormones DHEA-S and diurnal cortisol. When individuals experience continuous stress, not only from emotional stressors (e.g., marital, financial, and occupational) but also from physical stressors (e.g., sleep deprivation, caffeine consumption, pain, extreme exercise), it can lead to changes in adrenal hormone levels, related to disorders ranging from anxiety to infertility. Results can be expected 5-7 business days after the test is received.

About Stress and Adrenal Hormone Testing

For anyone who has experienced stress, the debilitating feelings associated with it are all too familiar. Stress’s impacts on the body can make simple everyday activities seemingly impossible and leave those who suffer from it feeling as though they are facing a mountain they can never climb. Learning to manage stress must begin by understanding the source of the stress and the symptoms it causes.

One way to do this is through stress and adrenal hormone testing. The adrenal gland is the part of the body responsible for helping people cope with stressors. This occurs through the secretion of several different types of hormones.

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA for short, is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal gland and helps to regulate the body’s levels of estrogen and testosterone. It is a naturally occurring steroid that is produced within the body. For most individuals, DHEA levels peak in the early 20s and decrease as they continue to age. Alone, DHEA does not have a significant effect on the body; however, it does play an important role in the way the body balances itself. For men, it can help to increase estrogen production, and for women, it can increase testosterone production.

DHEA is commonly referred to as a precursor hormone, which is the terminology used to describe hormones in the body that are converted into other hormones. When your body signals the brain that levels of DHEA are decreasing, the brain communicates with the adrenal gland to increase the amount that is produced. DHEA will increase until the adrenal gland senses that DHEA levels have returned to a balance.

Cortisol

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress response hormone, regulated in the adrenal pituitary and hypothalamus. This hormone attaches itself to most cells in the body. The body uses cortisol to fight stress by releasing additional amounts from the adrenal gland. This release can cause an increase in heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure, breathing, and muscle tension.

Because cortisol is a defense mechanism that your body uses to protect itself from the harmful effects of stress, its release also has several detrimental side effects. One of the most important is its ability to shut down other parts of your body in order to focus its efforts. This could mean your digestive system or even your reproductive system is put on pause to protect the body from stress.

When not used to combat stress levels, cortisol helps the body with other functions. Other benefits of cortisol in the body include aiding in the development of new memories, working with the metabolism, and even helping with inflammation and helping to control the amount of salt to water ratio in the body. For women who may be pregnant, cortisol helps to support the growth and development of the fetus.

The DHEA and Cortisol Relationship

Both DHEA and cortisol are among the body’s most-released hormones. Because they are both released by the adrenal gland, these two hormones naturally play a role together in the task of stress management. Together, they create the balance the body needs to manage stress levels appropriately.

While cortisol is the main hormone that helps with stress by enabling the body to navigate the stress response, too much can cause significant problems that the body then has to focus on fighting. Essentially, too much cortisol stresses the body out. However, this is where the DHEA hormone works to return that balance that the body needs in order to target the impacts of stress effectively.

One study found that the DHEA and cortisol ratios have a serious impact on the way the body reacts to stress. In cases where DHEA levels were higher than cortisol levels, perceived stress went down or became more manageable. In cases where DHEA levels were lower than cortisol levels, the effects of stress were more noticeable. In some cases, those with higher cortisol levels actually experienced side effects such as depression or anxiety.

Balancing DHEA and Cortisol Ratios

Knowing the ratio of the DHEA hormone related to the cortisol hormone can help you better respond to stress. While the root cause of your stress could be any number of factors, utilizing the knowledge of the DHEA to cortisol ratio can allow a better individual response to stress. The right supplements and routines can help you restore balance to the body’s hormones and respond better to stress regardless of where it may originate from. Using the Adrenal Stress Test Kit can reveal potential imbalances of the two hormones that originate in the adrenal gland so you can create the path to stress relief you need to improve your physical and mental health.

It’s important to note that if your adrenal hormone levels are out of balance, there are a number of ways to address the situation. While DHEA supplements are one way to help, the process may also require the integration of other types of activities to help return the hormonal balance the body needs. Some ways to complement a DHEA supplement include meditation that incorporates breathing exercises, practicing yoga, and even sexual activities. When in doubt, a regular exercise routine of at least 30 minutes, in addition to a healthy supplement regimen, can help the body experience the restoration it needs to face many of life’s challenges.

Adrenal Stress Test Kit FAQs

Learn the answers to some common questions about stress test kits.

How Do At-Home Cortisol Tests Work?
Hormones that impact stress, particularly cortisol, can fluctuate throughout the day. Adrenal test kits that measure cortisol are most effective when used in the morning when cortisol levels are at their peak. This particular test kit evaluates the levels of cortisol and DHEA hormones produced and released by the adrenal gland using a saliva sample. You will collect the sample at home by releasing saliva into the provided tube, then mail it to the lab using the provided envelope. The lab will complete the testing and return the results in about a week.
What Are the Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Disorders?

While understanding the levels of cortisol and DHEA in the body is important to address stress, an imbalance can also be a sign of underlying health concerns related to the adrenal gland.

Some common symptoms associated with adrenal gland problems include:

  • Higher than normal blood pressure
  • Weaknesses in the bones or muscles
  • An increase in blood sugars or a significant decline in blood sugars
  • Depression, increase in moodiness, or higher irritability
  • Acne
  • Struggles with salt levels within the body
  • Periods occurring more irregularly
  • Decrease sex drive
  • Bruising more easily

These are just a few of the signs that there could be greater health concerns with the adrenal gland. These symptoms could indicate Cushing’s Syndrome, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Pituitary Tumors, Addison’s Disease, and more. While at-home test kits could be a great tool to help identify the potential root of stress, they are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis of other major health concerns.

Are At-Home Cortisol Tests Accurate?

With most at-home tests, one of the major concerns is the accuracy of the test. Most people are used to medical tests taking place in a doctor’s office and, therefore, have an unconscious bias against at-home testing. However, at-home test kits utilize the same collection methods and laboratories that doctors use. Therefore, whether you choose to test at home or with a medical professional, the tests can be considered accurate as long as you follow the instructions with fidelity.

One of the benefits of home testing is that it can be done in the privacy of your home. For many patients, particularly those who are suffering from the impacts of stress, not only can privacy bring stress levels down, but it also means testing can be completed without taking extra time in your day.

What Should I Not Do Before an At-Home Adrenal Stress Test?
While at-home test kits for stress can be extremely accurate, there are some important considerations you must make to increase the accuracy of the results. For some, the first thought they may have is to discontinue certain medications; however, there has not been any strong correlation between medications and inaccurate results. However, you should consider regular daily routines that could impact the results.

An hour before taking an at-home test, avoid the following:

  • Eating
  • Brushing or flossing teeth
  • Using mouthwash
  • Applying lip balm
  • Chewing gum
  • Using any type of tobacco product
  • Exercising

You should, however, consume water in the hour leading to the test. Some of the chemicals in the products you should avoid could negatively impact the test, while plain water could help increase the saliva production needed for the test.

What Does it Mean if My DHEA Levels Are Too High or Too Low?

The results in an at-home test kit for DHEA levels can vary depending on age, gender, health history, and a variety of other factors. In general, if the results are considered normal for your age and sex, then that is an indication of normal adrenal gland function.

High levels of DHEA mean that the adrenal gland is overproducing the hormone, but it could also mean a greater issue, such as cancer, a benign tumor, or hyperplasia. If, however, the levels are too low, it could indicate a problem with the pituitary gland, which is responsible for helping the adrenal gland function.

If your test results are abnormal, you can take them to your medical professional, who can help you identify the cause.

What Is Chronic Stress?
Most people decide to test adrenal hormones due to the increased levels of stress they are feeling. As a result, these types of tests are most recommended for those who may suffer from chronic stress. Chronic stress is marked by consistent feelings of pressure, feeling overwhelmed, experiencing aches, pains, insomnia, or other social anxieties, changes in appetite, decrease in energy, and more. These symptoms occur over an extended period of time, and while these feelings may decrease, they will feel consistent in their presence.

Manage Your Stress With Compounding Pharmacy of America

Adrenal Stress Test Kits are just one way to help manage the experience of chronic stress. There are a number of supplements that can help boost your relief of chronic stress, but the right ones for you should be based on the results of your stress test.

If you have questions about managing your chronic stress, our team is here to help. We can answer a variety of questions about supplements and tests that can help provide you with the information you need to regain control over your stress. Contact the team at Compounding Pharmacy of America today, and let us help take the pressure off.

Resources:

  1. Ulrich-Lai, Y. M., Figueiredo, H. F., Ostrander, M. M., Choi, D. C., Engeland, W. C., & Herman, J. P. (2006). Chronic stress induces adrenal hyperplasia and hypertrophy in a subregion-specific manner. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 291(5), E965–E973. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00070.2006
  2. ‌Lois, K., Kassi, E., Prokopiou, M., & Chrousos, G. P. (2000). Adrenal Androgens and Aging (K. R. Feingold, B. Anawalt, A. Boyce, G. Chrousos, W. W. de Herder, K. Dhatariya, K. Dungan, A. Grossman, J. M. Hershman, J. Hofland, S. Kalra, G. Kaltsas, C. Koch, P. Kopp, M. Korbonits, C. S. Kovacs, W. Kuohung, B. Laferrère, E. A. McGee, & R. McLachlan, Eds.). PubMed; MDText.com, Inc. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279006/
  3. Maninger, N., Capitanio, J. P., Mason, W. A., Ruys, J. D., & Mendoza, S. P. (2010). Acute and chronic stress increase DHEAS concentrations in rhesus monkeys. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 35(7), 1055–1062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.01.006
  4. An overview of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol – Blog | Everlywell: Home Health Testing Made Easy. (n.d.). Www.everlywell.com. https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/dhea-and-cortisol/#:~:text=DHEA%20and%20cortisol%20are%20the
  5. ‌Thau, L., Gandhi, J., & Sharma, S. (2023, August 28). Physiology, cortisol. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
  6. ‌Farooqi, N. A. I., Scotti, M., Lew, J. M., Botteron, K. N., Karama, S., McCracken, J. T., & Nguyen, T.-V. (2018). Role of DHEA and cortisol in prefrontal-amygdalar development and working memory. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 98, 86–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.08.010
  7. Boudarene, M., Legros, J. J., & Timsit-Berthier, M. (2002). [Study of the stress response: role of anxiety, cortisol and DHEAs]. L’Encephale, 28(2), 139–146. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11972140/
  8. ‌What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders? (n.d.). Https://Www.nichd.nih.gov/. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/adrenalgland/conditioninfo/symptoms
  9. Activate This Test. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2024, from https://www.gdx.net/core/domestic-kit-instructions/ASP-with-CAR-Instructions.pdf
  10. ‌Cortisol Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test. (n.d.). Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/#:~:text=Stress%20can%20raise%20your%20cortisol
  11. ‌Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Www.urmc.rochester.edu. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=dhea#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20normal
  12. Yale Medicine. (2022). Chronic stress. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/stress-disorder#:~:text=%E2%80%A2A%20consistent%20sense%20of

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