Ordering the Adrenocortex Stress Test | Genova Diagnostics | Canada
The Adrenocortex Stress Test helps measure how your adrenal glands respond to daily stress by tracking cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day. This test can show patterns that may be linked to tiredness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, or weight gain. Interestingly, research shows that irregular cortisol patterns can affect the immune system and even increase the risk of inflammation-related issues.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Track cortisol changes at four points in a day for a full picture of your stress response
- Measure DHEA, a hormone that works with cortisol to balance energy and mood
- Spot early signs of hormone imbalance before symptoms get worse
- Find out if stress is affecting your sleep, energy, or weight
- Get clear data to guide stress management or hormone support plans
Who Should Consider Hormone and Stress Response 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 after work, struggles to fall asleep, and finds it hard to focus during the day could use this test to see if their stress hormones are out of balance.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Experience frequent irritability or anxiety without a clear cause
- Notice weight gain around your belly despite no change in eating habits
- Have a history of burnout or long-term stress at work or home
- Deal with ongoing mild depression or low motivation
- Have frequent colds or infections, which can be linked to hormone changes
Testing your stress hormones can show if your body is making too much or too little cortisol or DHEA, which can affect your energy, mood, and immune system. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of hormone imbalance, making it harder to address symptoms before they become more difficult to manage.
How to Prepare for the Test
Fasting is not needed for this saliva-based test, but you will need to collect samples at specific times during the day. Always follow the instructions from your doctor or healthcare provider to make sure your samples are collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Adrenocortex Stress Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Shows | Low and High Levels of Adrenocortex Stress Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol, Salivary (4 samples over 24 hours) |
Morning: 3.7–9.5 Noon: 1.2–3.0 Evening: 0.6–1.9 Night: 0.4–1.0 |
Cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps your body respond to stress. Testing at four times in a day shows if your cortisol pattern is normal or disrupted. |
High levels mean your body may be under ongoing stress, which can lead to trouble sleeping, anxiety, or weight gain.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may not be making enough cortisol, which can cause tiredness, low mood, or trouble handling stress. |
| DHEA, Salivary (1 sample) | 2.0–10.0 | DHEA is a hormone that helps balance the effects of cortisol and supports energy, mood, and immune function. This test shows if your DHEA is in a healthy range for your age. |
High levels mean your body may be making too much DHEA, which can be linked to hormone imbalance or certain health conditions.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may be underactive, which can lead to tiredness, low motivation, or weaker immune response. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their guidelines, so always check your report for the most current values.
Adrenocortex Stress Test FAQ
Is there Adrenocortex Stress Test testing near me?
This is a saliva test kit you can use at home, and you can drop off your samples at a local draw location listed on the website. For people dealing with ongoing tiredness or stress, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested without extra travel or delays.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results with you, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand your hormone patterns and what they mean for your symptoms.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes shipping the kit to you and back to the lab, but some locations may charge a draw fee. Ordering this test can help you find out if stress is affecting your energy or mood, so you can start making changes sooner.
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. Regular testing helps track your progress and shows if your hormone levels are moving in the right direction.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to measure hormone levels in saliva, 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
None.
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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