The Adrenocortex Stress Profile with Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) is a comprehensive, non-invasive saliva test that evaluates adrenal function by measuring cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day. This profile provides insight into how your adrenal glands respond to stress, which is crucial for understanding chronic stress, fatigue, and related symptoms. The test helps identify imbalances in adrenal hormones, which can contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and immune dysfunction. By assessing the diurnal variation of these hormones, the Adrenocortex Stress Profile offers a detailed picture of your body's stress response, guiding personalized treatment plans for optimal health and well-being.
 
Top 10 Symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction:
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up unrefreshed.
Anxiety and Depression: Increased feelings of anxiety, irritability, or depression.
Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and mental cloudiness.
Muscle Weakness and Pain: General muscle weakness or unexplained pain.
Low Blood Pressure: Frequent feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly upon standing.
Cravings for Salty Foods: A heightened desire for salty snacks or foods.
Weight Gain: Particularly in the abdominal area, sometimes associated with high cortisol levels.
Decreased Libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity.
Immune Dysfunction: Frequent infections, slow recovery from illnesses, or a general sense of being unwell.
 
"Cortisol steal" refers to the process where the body's demand for cortisol production increases, often due to chronic stress. This demand can divert resources away from the production of other important hormones, like DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen. In the adrenal glands, pregnenolone, a precursor hormone, is shunted towards cortisol production at the expense of other hormones. This imbalance can exacerbate symptoms of adrenal dysfunction, as the body prioritizes cortisol production to manage stress, leaving less for the synthesis of other hormones necessary for overall health.