Adrenocortex Stress Profile Test

A Comprehensive Tool to Assess the HPA Axis — Stress Response and Resiliency

The Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP) provides an assessment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis using carefully timed salivary samples of the hormones cortisol and DHEA. Salivary testing is an easy, non-invasive option to measure unbound, biologically active parent hormone levels. The report offers an easy-to-interpret graphic which plots the results of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and the natural diurnal rhythm.

Clinicians Have the Following Cortisol Testing Options:

• Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP): Four salivary samples measured throughout the day to give insight into the natural circadian diurnal cortisol rhythm, and help clinicians address specific daily stressors.
• Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR): Three awakening samples to evaluate CAR with one evening cortisol sample.
  • CAR is a transient, immediate rise in cortisol upon awakening and is distinct from the diurnal rhythm. CAR reflects a person’s ability to cope with anticipated challenges and their perception of control around chronic stress, providing insight into HPA axis resiliency.
  • The isolated evening cortisol has distinct clinical implications. Elevated evening cortisol is linked to insomnia and associated with various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonally driven cancers, and osteoporosis.
• Adrenocortex Stress Profile with Cortisol Awakening Response (ASP with CAR): Six samples that offers the most comprehensive look at cortisol and the HPA axis.

DHEA is measured once in the 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM sample and a ratio of DHEA to cortisol is calculated to provide insight into anabolic/catabolic balance.

Daily hassles, chronic pain, blood sugar dysregulation, work stressors, and poor relationship quality can alter the HPA axis. Imbalances in adrenal hormones can have a wide range of negative