Ordering the Adrenal Stress Profile | ZRT Lab
The Adrenal Stress Profile from ZRT Lab helps measure stress hormone patterns throughout the day, including cortisol and DHEA, to identify hormone imbalances that may be linked to tiredness, mood changes, or trouble sleeping. Interestingly, this test can reveal hidden patterns of cortisol spikes or drops that may not show up in a single blood draw, giving a clearer picture of how your body responds to daily stress.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Track cortisol changes at four different times in one day for a complete stress hormone picture
- Spot hormone imbalances that may be linked to fatigue, weight gain, or sleep problems
- Check DHEA levels, which can affect mood, energy, and how your body handles stress
- Find out if stress is affecting your hormone levels and daily energy
- Get clear, easy-to-read results you can share with your doctor or healthcare provider
Who Should Consider Stress Hormone Testing
People who feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, notice mood swings, or have trouble handling daily stress may benefit from this test. For example, someone who feels exhausted in the afternoon, struggles to fall asleep at night, and wakes up feeling unrested could use this test to check if their stress hormones are out of balance.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Have ongoing trouble with sleep or frequent waking during the night
- Notice weight gain, especially around the belly, that doesn’t improve with diet or exercise
- Experience frequent irritability, anxiety, or low mood
- Feel “wired but tired” in the evening or have trouble winding down
- Have a family history of hormone imbalance or adrenal issues, even if you don’t have symptoms yet
Testing for stress hormone patterns can help you find out if your symptoms are linked to hormone changes, so you can take steps to improve your energy, mood, and sleep. Delaying this test may mean missing early signs of hormone imbalance, which could make symptoms harder to manage later.
How to Prepare for Stress and Cortisol Testing
Fasting is not required for this test, but you should avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes before each saliva sample. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your samples are collected at the right times and in the correct way.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Adrenal Stress Profile | ZRT Lab
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Measures | Low and High Levels of Adrenal Stress Profile | ZRT Lab |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Cortisol (Morning) | 3.7 – 9.5 ng/mL | Shows how much cortisol, a main stress hormone, is in your saliva right after waking up. This helps check if your body is making enough cortisol to start the day. |
High levels mean your body may be under stress or your adrenal glands are working too hard.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may not be making enough cortisol in the morning. |
| Free Cortisol (Noon) | 1.2 – 3.0 ng/mL | Measures cortisol in the middle of the day to see if levels are dropping as expected. This helps spot unusual dips or spikes that can affect energy and focus. |
High levels mean your body may be staying in a stressed state longer than normal.
Low levels mean you may feel tired or sluggish during the day. |
| Free Cortisol (Evening) | 0.6 – 1.9 ng/mL | Checks cortisol in the evening to see if your body is winding down for sleep. This can show if stress is keeping you alert at night. |
High levels mean you may have trouble falling asleep or relaxing at night.
Low levels mean your body is winding down as expected, unless levels are too low, which can cause fatigue. |
| Free Cortisol (Night) | 0.4 – 1.0 ng/mL | Measures cortisol before bed to check if your body is ready for sleep. This helps find out if late-night stress is affecting your rest. |
High levels mean your body may be staying alert at night, making it hard to sleep.
Low levels mean your body is likely ready for sleep, unless levels are too low, which can cause low energy. |
| DHEA | 2.0 – 10.0 ng/mL | DHEA is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps balance other hormones and supports energy, mood, and stress response. |
High levels mean your body may be making too much DHEA, which can affect other hormones.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may be underactive, which can lead to tiredness and low mood. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Adrenal Stress Profile | ZRT Lab FAQ
Is there Adrenal Stress Profile | ZRT Lab testing near me?
This is a test kit you can use at home, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for local collection options. If you have symptoms like ongoing tiredness or trouble sleeping, being able to collect your sample easily and quickly can help you get answers without extra travel or waiting.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand what your numbers mean and what steps you can take next.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but draw fees may apply if you need help with sample collection. Ordering this test can help you find out if stress is affecting your hormone levels, so you can start making changes sooner and feel better faster.
How often should I retest?
It’s best to retest every 3 to 6 months, especially if you are making changes to your stress management or hormone support plan, so you can track progress and adjust as needed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses saliva samples and advanced immunoassay technology to measure cortisol and DHEA, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- There are optional test add-ons available for this test. Contact us with questions.
- This test can be shipped to and collected in all states and Canada.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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