Cortisol testing will provide clues as to the healthy function of your adrenal glands. Too much or too little cortisol can lead to health concerns and be balanced through a natural protocol of dietary supplementation.

Cortisol testing is useful for those concerned about the health of their adrenal glands and is easily accomplished with a saliva test examining 4 saliva samples over a 24-hour period for levels of cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones are associated with ailments ranging from obesity and chronic fatigue to immune deficiency and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

This test measures the levels of cortisol and DHEA and provides an evaluation of how cortisol levels differ throughout the day. Cortisol levels typically peak shortly after rising and are at their lowest after the onset of sleep.

It is important to know the results of cortisol testing because cortisol is involved in many important functions in your body, including the metabolism and utilization of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, your body’s response to physiological or psychological stress, and the control of inflammation and proper blood sugar levels. Cortisol also helps maintain proper blood pressure, normal nerve and brain activity and normal heart and immune function.

Cortisol testing also determines levels of DHEA in the same test, which plays a role in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats, and works with cortisol to help maintain proper blood sugar levels. DHEA helps regulate body weight, blood pressure and immune function, and is used by the body to make the hormones, testosterone and estradiol.

Too much or too little cortisol or DHEA can lead to illness, and it is important that these two hormones be in balance with each other. Tests for cortisol are imperative to help one overcome specific health conditions and especially fatigue.

Call Dr. Dahlman’s office to discuss the importance that cortisol testing can make in your health.