Ordering the Cortisol Awakening Response Profile | ZRT Labs
The Cortisol Awakening Response Profile from ZRT Labs measures how your body’s stress hormone, cortisol, changes in the first hour after waking up. This test helps identify patterns linked to stress, fatigue, mood changes, and hormone imbalances. Interestingly, research shows that a disrupted cortisol awakening response can be an early sign of burnout, even before other symptoms appear.
Ordering this test gives you a clear look at your body’s stress response. Here are some specific benefits:
- Tracks cortisol changes at six points after waking for a detailed hormone pattern.
- Includes DHEA measurement to assess adrenal function and hormone balance.
- Helps pinpoint causes of morning tiredness and low energy.
- Supports targeted plans for stress management and sleep improvement.
- Uses a simple saliva collection kit you can use at home.
Who Should Consider Stress Hormone Pattern Testing
People who wake up feeling tired, struggle with mood swings, or notice changes in energy throughout the day may benefit from this test. For example, someone who feels exhausted in the morning but wired at night could use this test to find out if their stress hormones are out of balance.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Feeling anxious or irritable without a clear reason.
- Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around the belly.
- Dealing with ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Noticing frequent headaches or muscle tension that seem to follow stressful events.
This test can show if your body’s stress response is working as it should, which can help you and your doctor make decisions about next steps. Delaying this test may mean missing early signs of hormone imbalance, making it harder to address symptoms like fatigue or mood changes quickly.
Preparing for Saliva Hormone Testing
Fasting is not required for this test, but you should collect your saliva samples at specific times after waking as directed. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider to make sure your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Cortisol Awakening Response Profile | ZRT Labs
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Measures | Low and High Levels of This Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Cortisol (6 time points) |
Upon waking: 3.7–9.5 30 min after waking: 5.3–19.1 60 min after waking: 2.6–12.6 Midday: 1.2–3.0 Evening: 0.6–1.9 Night: 0.4–1.0 |
Free cortisol is the active form of the stress hormone measured in saliva. Tracking it at six points shows how your body responds to waking and daily stress. |
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 fatigue, low energy, or trouble handling stress. |
| DHEA | 106–300 | DHEA is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps balance other hormones, including cortisol. It supports mood, energy, and stress recovery. |
High levels mean your body may be making too much DHEA, which can cause oily skin, hair changes, or mood swings.
Low levels mean your adrenal glands may be underactive, which can lead to tiredness, low mood, or trouble recovering from stress. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their standards, so always check your report for the most current information.
Cortisol Awakening Response Profile FAQ
Is there Cortisol Awakening Response Profile testing near me?
This is a home saliva test kit, so you can collect your samples wherever you are, making it easier to check your stress hormone patterns without needing to travel. If you need a local draw location for convenience or privacy, see the draw location link at the top of the page.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for a clear explanation and next steps.
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. Ordering this test can help you find out if stress is affecting your energy or mood, so you can start feeling better sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting every 3 to 6 months is recommended, especially if you are making changes to your stress management or treatment plan, so you can track progress and adjust as needed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses saliva samples analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which provides high specificity (98%) and sensitivity (97%) for hormone measurement. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test CAN be shipped to and collected in the state of New York.
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.
Why Customers Trust True Health Labs - What People are saying
Also rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 3452 ShopperApproved reviews- See all TrueHealthLabs.com reviews.
