Diurinal Cortisol, Saliva

Tests the performance of the adrenal gland over the course of the day, especially important when experiencing anxiety, mood and sleep issues.

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands.  Changed patterns of serum cortisol levels have been observed in connection with abnormal ACTH levels, clinical depression, psychological stress, and such physiological stressors as hypoglycemia, illness, fever, trauma, surgery, fear, pain, physical exertion or extremes of temperature. Cortisol levels may also be different for people with autism or Asperger's syndrome.  It has an effect on many body systems and has an influence on memory, learning, and mood. The amount of cortisol present in the blood undergoes diurnal variation, with the highest levels present in the early morning, and the lowest levels present around midnight, or 3–5 hours after the onset of sleep.

Consider this test if you are experiencing symptoms of HIGH cortisol: Anxiety, back pain, bone weakness, bruising, depression, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, excessive facial or body hair growth, excessive sweating, euphoria, fatigue, high blood glucose, hypertension, increased urination, infertility, insomnia, insulin resistance, irregular periods, irritability, loss of sex drive, muscle weakness, obesity, psychosis, rapid weight gain, or slow would healing,

Consider this test if you are experiencing symptoms of LOW cortisol: Abdominal pain, anxiety, brain fog, cold sensitivity, confusion, constipation, dehydration, delusions, diarrhea, dizziness, environmental allergies, fainting, fatigue, hallucinations, hypoglycemia, hypotension, indigestion, joint pain, loss of body hair, loss of energy, mood swings, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, psychosis, salt craving, skin darkening, slurred speech, tiredness, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.

A diurinal saliva test is designed to measure the levels of the hormone cortisol, taken four times in a 24-hour period (morning, noon, evening, and nighttime).  Recommended with situational stress and fatigue; an indicator of adrenal imbalance.

You will receive a test kit in the mail.  Simply follow the directions for collecting your saliva, and mail in the postage paid box provided.

By collecting four samples of your saliva, this test will reveal the level of cortisol throughout a 24-hour period.  The amount of cortisol present in your body undergoes diurnal variation, with the highest levels present in the early morning, and the lowest levels present around midnight, or 3-5 hours after the onset of sleep.

At this time, Lab Tests are not available in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts or Rhode Island.  If you live in any of these states, you cannot order lab tests.