Adrenal Stress Index Test:

Adrenals are the major endocrine glands with vast regulatory effects on various systems especially in stress handling, provision of energy, vitality and stamina, blood sugar, blood pressure and temperature regulation, skin pigmentation, weight and food cravings, bone mineralization, emotional stability, and immune function regulation. It  affects our sex hormones and libido and plays a major role in causing resistant hypothyroidism. Studies show that adrenal hormones are linked to Fibromyalgia.

The level of adrenal hormones varies in a 24-hour period. This is called diurnal variation. Four salivary samples are taken at different times of the day to reflect changes in the levels as well as the rhythm of hormones.

Levels of cortisol, DHEA, 17-hydroxy progesterone, salivary antibodies, gliadin antibodies and fasting as well random insulin are measured.

Cortisol is related to the level of stress. DHEA and 17-hydroxy progesterone levels reflect how well the adrenals are coping with it. Their ratio gives useful  information regarding the recovery time of adrenal health.

Elevated midnight salivary cortisol is now considered one of the best tests in diagnosing endogenous depression.

Insulin level tells how adequate the glycemic control is, helps expose pre-diabetic state and rules out  insulin resistance.

Salivary antibodies evaluate the impact of stress on the immune system. Gliadin sensitivity is affected by cortisol and DHEA ratio. Presence of gliadin antibodies causes gluten intolerance which causes leaky gut, inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients and perpetuates  adrenal malfunction.