Adrenal Stress Check

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. The hormone is secreted in a daily pattern rising in the early morning, peaking around 7am, and declining in the evening.

Cortisol levels are generally high in the morning as we wake from a prolonged period of sleep, with an increase of up to 50% in the first half an hour after waking. This is known as the ‘cortisol awakening response’.

As the day progresses cortisol levels naturally begin to drop in a fairly constant and regular fashion that is termed a diurnal rhythm, ending up as low in the late evening.

As the day progresses cortisol levels naturally begin to drop in a fairly constant and regular fashion that is termed a diurnal rhythm, ending up as low in the late evening.

Cortisol levels drop very low in the evening and during the early phase of sleep which allows the body to keep a regular sleeping pattern.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to sex hormones. Abnormal levels can indicate adrenal or endocrine disorders.

Low DHEA relative to cortisol has been linked to increased inflammation, suppressed immune function, hyperglycaemia, as well as impaired detoxification, skeletal health and cognitive function.