A commonly used tool for assessing adrenal cortisol production is diurnal cortisol testing. This test is four saliva collections on a single day – typically done upon waking, before lunch, dinner, and before bed. The labs then report them on a 24-hour graph. The resulting curve – also called a four-point cortisol curve or circadian cortisol pattern, allows healthcare providers to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) or adrenal dysfunction.
Cortisol that does not follow the normal pattern can trigger blood sugar imbalances, fatigue, insomnia, food cravings, and weight gain. Related imbalances of low DHEA commonly result in loss of lean muscle, lack of strength, decreased stamina, and low exercise tolerance.
The Diurnal Cortisol Profile provides a full diurnal cortisol profile through a four-point saliva collection.
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