Adrenal Function Panel
Measuring cortisol levels can help assess the stress response system and HPA Axis function. In order to accurately gauge the cortisol rhythm it is important to take samples at multiple points throughout the day. For this and other reasons I use the DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones). In addition to assessing the free cortisol curve, it also measures cortisol metabolites to give a sense of total production.
Along with cortisol, the DUTCH also measure:
Why Test Cortisol Levels?
Low cortisol levels are associated with disturbed sleep, fatigue, trouble concentrating, difficulty waking, chronic allergies, multiple chemical sensitivties and depression. High cortisol levels are associated with anxiety, bone loss, and disturbed sleep. An excess of cortisol over DHEA can accelerate the breakdown of bone and muscle, thus potentially contributing to premature aging. Chronic stress may eventually lead to decreased cortisol production and result in fatigue symptoms. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and difficulty losing weight may be associated with an imbalance in the adrenal hormone ratio of cortisol to DHEAs.
Along with cortisol, the DUTCH also measure:
- Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and their metabolites
- DHEA
- Melatonin
- 8-OHdG (marker of DNA damage)
- Urinary organic acids
Why Test Cortisol Levels?
Low cortisol levels are associated with disturbed sleep, fatigue, trouble concentrating, difficulty waking, chronic allergies, multiple chemical sensitivties and depression. High cortisol levels are associated with anxiety, bone loss, and disturbed sleep. An excess of cortisol over DHEA can accelerate the breakdown of bone and muscle, thus potentially contributing to premature aging. Chronic stress may eventually lead to decreased cortisol production and result in fatigue symptoms. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and difficulty losing weight may be associated with an imbalance in the adrenal hormone ratio of cortisol to DHEAs.
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More info on the DUTCH Test:
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