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Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat. It results in a surge of hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol increases blood glucose levels, enhances the use of glucose by the brain, and reduces non-essential functions. Usually, cortisol levels return to normal after the threat has passed. However, in long-term stressful situations, the persistently elevated levels of cortisol can increase the risk of various health complications, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, weight gain, and insomnia.
DHEA-S to Cortisol Ratio
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How It Works
Order your test.
Choose the test that matches your need from our large array of tests. The kit will be delivered to your doorstep. There is no need to leave the comfort of your home.
Collect your sample.
Register and activate your test. Collect your sample first thing in the morning. Return your sample to our lab as soon as possible, using the prepaid envelope included in the kit.
Quality guarantee.
Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives in our lab. Your results will be available through our secure online platform.
Biomarkers Tested
Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is predominantly produced in the adrenal gland. It is widely known as the body’s stress hormone, as it is released in response to low blood sugar and stress. Cortisol can influence nearly every organ system. It helps to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis (synthesis of ‘new’ glucose), and is involved in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also suppresses the immune system and inflammatory response, helps control blood pressure, is involved in memory formation, aids in the sleep-wake cycle, and decreases bone formation.
Blood concentrations of cortisol differ during the day, with higher levels typically occurring in the morning. Reference ranges provided by the Endocrine Society are 5-25 μg/dL at 8am and 2-14 μg/dL at 4pm.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
DHEA-S is an excellent indicator of adrenal hormone production. Although DHEA-S itself only has weak hormonal activity, it can be metabolized into more active androgens (e.g. testosterone) and estrogens (e.g. estradiol). DHEA-S also has neurosteroid activity, meaning it can influence brain function. Abnormal DHEA-S levels can affect age of puberty, muscle mass, aging, and sex drive, and also increase the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol levels) include
Irregular menstruation
High blood pressure
High blood sugar
Muscle weakness
Increased thirst
Depression
Anxiety
Weight gain
Increased urination
Symptoms of Addison’s disease (low cortisol) can include:
Weight loss
Nausea & vomiting
Fatigue
Depression
Salt craving
Dark skin patches
Low blood pressure
Low blood sugar
Abdominal pain
Details and FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Stress Test. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
How does the Stress Test work?
Self-collect your sample following the detailed instructions included in the kit. Place your sample in the specimen bag provided and mail it back to the lab using the prepaid envelope inside the kit.
Our lab uses verified and approved chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) to accurately measure your cortisol and DHEA-S levels. Your results are available through our online portal as soon as testing is complete.
Will I receive any guidance with my results?
All result reports will include brief and easy to understand interpretations of each of the biomarkers tested. Background information is also available, but we recommend that you share your test results with your healthcare provider to obtain the most benefit from your test results.
Are there medical professionals involved in the process?
All of our tests are developed with advice and input from medical professionals.
What is the link between cortisol and metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a range of metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance, hypertension, high glucose and triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, and abdominal obesity. MetS increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although the primary mechanism of MetS is insulin resistance, research also suggests that slightly elevated cortisol is another contributing factor towards the development of MetS.
How can I control my cortisol levels?
Cortisol levels increase in response to stress; hence reducing your stress also helps to lower cortisol levels. Proven ways to reduce stress and cortisol levels include yoga, listening to relaxing music, meditation, maintaining healthy relationships. Other ways to reduce cortisol levels include getting adequate sleep and exercise, eating healthy foods (particularly reduced sugar intake), and having fun.
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