Collection: Stress & Adrenal Hormone Testing

What Is Measured?

Our adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys produce a number of hormones necessary to help convert fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to energy.  The primary function of these hormones supports our ability to adapt to stress and changes within our environment.  The adrenals do this by secreting important hormones from both the adrenal cortex or outer part of the adrenal gland and the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal gland.

Each of these is created in the outer adrenal cortex of the adrenals and is a steroid compound synthesized from cholesterol that plays an important role in adrenal function.

Mineralocorticoids - These include a hormone known as “aldosterone” that helps the body maintain a healthy balance of sodium and water thereby regulating blood pressure.

Glucocorticoids - Cortisol regulates the body’s metabolism and stimulates glucose production to convert muscles and fat to energy.  Cortisol also acts as an anti-inflammatory substance in the body.

Adrenal androgens - The hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone play a key role in early development of sex organs in males and body hair production in females during puberty.  DHEA is a precursor to other hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and associated with libido, bone density, and memory as well.

The inner part of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal medulla produces what are known as “catecholamines”. These include adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline and dopamine that work together to prepare the body for fight or flight. Adrenaline works to mobilize the body for action by increasing blood circulation, breathing rate, and metabolism of carbohydrates for muscle activity.  Noradrenaline and dopamine help support this process.

Any imbalance of adrenal hormones can cause a number of health effects.

Related Symptoms

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fatigue or Feeling Tired
• Weight Gain
• Increased Belly Fat
• Depression
• Difficulty with Sleep
• Mental Fatigue
• Lack of Concentration
• Increase in Appetite
• Cravings for Sugar
• Irritability
• Bone Loss
• Reduced Immunity
• Low Tolerance for Exercise