Test

Adrenal Cortisol Response

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See how stressed you REALLY are

Even low levels of chronic stress can impact both your physical and mental health. This insightful test evaluates your cortisol (stress hormone) response at six different times throughout the day, allowing you to implement targeted interventions based on data rather than guesswork. Additionally, the kit measures DHEA-S levels, an important hormone that can become imbalanced with adrenal dysfunction.

Gut Health Thyroid PCOS Autoimmune Hormone Balance Saliva Collection At Home Test Kit

Why We Love This

This test maps your cortisol levels throughout the day, providing a clear picture of your adrenal function. Understanding your stress response and identifying exact times when certain interventions might be warranted can help you stay consistent with self-care, boundary setting, healthy eating, and more.
Emily Cordes
Emily Cordes
DO, IFMCP

What to Expect

Test collection:

*Please note that detailed instructions will be included within the test kit.*

Note for Hormone Users:
  • Do NOT use bare hands for topical hormone application for at least two days prior to collection (apply hormones with glovesor applicator). Avoid using hormones on the face, lips and neck. Change sheets, pillow cases and hand towels the night before collecting. Avoid touching bathroom surfaces which may be contaminated with traces of hormones.
  • Troches or Sublingual Therapies: DHEA supplementation – don’t use sublingually 36 hours prior to testing; all other hormonesplease follow the Topical and Oral supplementation instructions.
  • 7-Keto DHEA: Avoid for 3 days prior to collecting. Does not apply to regular DHEA.
  • Avoid anti-aging/anti-wrinkle facial creams for 3 days prior to testing as they may contain undisclosed hormones.
This is a simple saliva test. Collections are required at 6 different points during the day (including 3 within the first hour or waking in the morning). The morning samples should be collected before eating or drinking anything, including coffee. Water is okay.

Collection 1: Within 5 minutes of waking
Collection 2: 30 minutes later
Collection 3: 60 minutes later
Collection 4: Around lunch
Collection 5: Around Dinner
Collection 6: Before bed

Details

The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) evaluates Adrenal Hormone/Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis dysfunction. 

This test is for people who experience 1 or more of the following:

  • Feeling overwhelmed more days than not
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
  • A history of trauma
  • Autoimmune Disease 
  • Gut health issues including diarrhea, constipation, or bloating 
  • PCOS
  • Symptoms of hormone imbalance including mood swings, PMS, missing periods, heavy periods, acne, etc.
  • Mystery symptoms with no diagnosis despite many visits in conventional medicine 

Results

Results:
You will receive results via email within 10-14 business days after sending in the kit. 

Sample Report
The report maps your cortisol levels at key points throughout the day, offering a clear visual of your adrenal function and stress response. It helps identify patterns and pinpoint specific times when interventions may support self-care, boundary setting, healthy eating, and overall well-being.
Download Sample Report
Sample Report
The report maps your cortisol levels at key points throughout the day, offering a clear visual of your adrenal function and stress response. It helps identify patterns and pinpoint specific times when interventions may support self-care, boundary setting, healthy eating, and overall well-being.
Download Sample Report

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Reviews

erica and kelsey
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