Adrenal Stress Profile Saliva

The Adrenal Stress Profile by ZRT Laboratory is a lab test designed to assess the functioning of the adrenal glands through the analysis of saliva samples.

This test specifically measures salivary levels of diurnal cortisol and morning dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), two critical hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that play essential roles in the body's response to stress, metabolism, and overall physiological balance.

What areCortisol and DHEA-S?

Cortisol
Cortisol is widely recognized as the body's primary stress hormone, playing a key role in the "fight or flight" response. It facilitates various bodily functions to respond to stress by increasing blood sugar levels, enhancing the brain's use of glucose, and limiting nonessential or harmful 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.

Because of its many roles in physiological functions including the stress response, metabolism, digestion, circadian rhythms and immune regulation, chronically elevated levels of cortisol may have many implications on human health. [10.]

DHEA-S
DHEA-S is the sulfated version of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), another adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor to sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. DHEA-S 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-S levels typically decrease with age. [9.]

Unlike cortisol, DHEA-S levels do not fluctuate significantly throughout the day, making them a reliable marker for long-term adrenal function.

Cortisol and DHEA-S
Both cortisol and DHEA-S 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. Ongoing research continues to uncover the complexities of these hormones and their implications for health and disease management.