Adrenal Stress Profile Test

 

Stress is a major underlying cause of many chronic illnesses, from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to food and environmental allergies. A stressful lifestyle can lead to consistently high levels of Cortisol in blood and saliva.

The adrenal glands which are found just above the kidney are probably one of the most important glands, with a greater amount of blood passing through them than any other gland in the body. These glands help us deal with stress by releasing a number of hormones, Cortisol and DHEA. Some, including cortisol are released in a cycle called the circadian rhythm, with the highest values being in the morning gradually falling to midnight.

Cortisol elevation also impacts on immune responses, such as secretory IgA (sIgA) and antigliadin antibody (AGA) production.
There are a number of factors which will cause the adrenal glands to become stressed such as long-term mental or physical stress, poor nutrition, smoking, stressful work, eating disorders, divorce, death, intense exercise, alcohol consumption, severe illness or major surgery. In such situations, the hormonal levels become imbalanced. When the Adrenal Gland is functioning normally, we feel well, have adequate amounts of energy and good immunity against infections.

Who Should Have the Test?

The Adrenal Stress Profile test is a measure of an individual’s response to stress. It is also an important tool for pointing to adrenal imbalances that may be impacting a patient’s health.
The Adrenal Stress Test would be particularly valuable for those with a higher risk of adrenal problems:

People in stressful situations

• Chronic tiredness
• Thyroid disease
• Allergies
• Food intolerance
• Skin problems
• Irritable bowel
• Heart disease
• Blood pressure imbalance