Cortisol is the major adrenal steroid hormone and is controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The body’s stress response increases Cortisol in order to mobilize energy to manage and resolve the stressor.

Chronic stress can fatigue the adrenal glands, disrupting it’s normal diurnal control over Cortisol. This disruption results in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, depression and anxiety.

Cortisol levels rise and fall during the day. The highest levels occur at about 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the lowest levels at about midnight.

Saliva

  • Temporal Free Cortisol Rhythm (TAP)
  • Four saliva samples are used in the TAP™ for the following tests:
    • 4 x Cortisol – Helps evaluate the stress response

 

24 Hour Urine Testing

24 Hour Urine Testing – This test requires a 24-hour urine specimen it integrates cortisol production for an entire day.