This test measures the levels of two vital stress hormones: Cortisol and DHEA. If levels of these hormones are either too high or too low, there may be negative effects on overall health, including weight gain, frequent illness, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. A profile test can help identify how to treat these symptoms by helping to balance hormones.
Click here for a sample profile (pdf)How It Works
The Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a non-invasive saliva test that measures a 24 hour cortisol, and DHEA. The adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA are important to the body’s function, influencing metabolism, stress resistance, anti-inflammatory response, and thyroid function. When the levels of cortisol and DHEA are affected, it may have a negative impact on your emotional state, energy level, resistance to disease, and your general sense of wellbeing. With an accurate measure of your cortisol and DHEA levels, your Naturopathic Doctor can work with you and develop a treatment plan to support health and overall wellness.
Symptoms of Stress
Everyone responds to stress in their own way. However, many people are not aware of the symptoms that may result from common stressors on the body and mind. Some of these possible symptoms of stress may include:
Balancing Stress Hormones
It’s particularly important to balance stress hormones for a better sense of health and wellbeing. Balanced hormones may help maintain both physical and emotional health, reduce hormone related symptoms, improve digestion, improve energy and reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also help to strengthen the immune system. Balanced stress hormones may also aid in weight loss as it improves metabolism, controls appetite and reduces fat storage. Managed stress hormones improves overall health, helping you to look and feel younger.
Major Stressors
There are a number of environmental factors that cause stress. Some factors that may contribute to everyday stress include lifestyle habits, such as the over-consumption of stimulates like caffeine and sugar. Injury, excessive exercise, and life stressors can also be a major source of stress for some individuals. During an Adrenocortex Stress Profile Test, levels of cortisol and DHEA are tested, as well as the levels of Secretory IgA, an essential marker for immune function that determines how stress is affecting the immune system.
Ask Yourself
Nearly anyone can benefit from an Adrenocortex Stress Profile Test. Ask yourself the following questions to see if you may be a good candidate for this type of testing.
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be suffering from an under or over-reactive stress response due to your adrenal hormones. Learn how our team of Vancouver Naturopathic Doctors can help you manage your stress through a Naturopathic treatments including hormone balancing – and it all starts with a simple Adrenocortex Stress Profile Test. To learn more about our services or laboratory testing, call us today at 1-604-566-WELL.