Stress Hormone & Adrenal Fatigue Testing
Are you constantly battling stress? Are you struggling with insomnia, anxiety, or just pure exhaustion? Or do you find yourself frustrated that the extra weight you are carrying just won’t budge? Every day most of us are juggling many responsibilities from picking up the kids to trying to make a plan for dinner, nevermind our workload at work! It’s no surprise that the term “adrenal fatigue” is popping up everywhere. Because it’s real – as a society so many of us are experiencing adrenal exhaustion. If any of this resonates with you it may be time to look at your adrenal function with Saliva Hormone Testing or DUTCH Complete Testing.
To understand adrenal fatigue, let’s first talk about the adrenal glands. These small, triangular-shaped glands sit on top of your kidneys and play a vital role in your body’s response to stress. The adrenal glands make hormones, including cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline (fight or flight response). These both help you respond to stressors and keep your body in balance.
Imagine you’re faced with a stressful situation, like a work deadline that snuck up on you or a traffic jam when you are already running late. Your body’s stress response kicks in to help you cope. Here’s how it works:
- Perception of Stress: Your brain, specifically the hypothalamus, perceives the stressor and sends a signal to the adrenal glands.
- Release of Hormones: The adrenal glands then release your stress hormone, cortisol.
- Body Responds: These hormones prepare your body for action. Your heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and energy stores are mobilized to provide a quick burst of energy.
- Stressor Resolved: Once the stressor ends, cortisol levels drop, and your body returns to its normal state.
The stress response described above is crucial for survival in short bursts. Our ancestors needed that stress response to be able to run from a predator, for example, But being chased by a predator is an event that you’re not likely to encounter on your way to the office! Our ancestors either survived (or they didn’t…) and the stressful event was over. However, in today’s fast-paced world, most of us experience chronic stress. This means our adrenal glands are constantly pumping out cortisol and adrenaline. The stressors are often never resolved – they never end. That’s because all types of stress bring on this stress hormone response – emotional stress from work or family drama, biochemical stress like junk food, acidity, or hormone imbalance, to structural stress, such as a tight hip muscles from sitting at your desk all day. It’s like the stress switch is stuck in the “on” position. This is where the problem begins.
What Are The Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue can manifest in various ways, and knowing the warning signs and symptoms can be crucial. Some common symptoms include:
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Poor sleep
- Difficulty waking
- Struggling to lose weight
- Chronic stress
- Poor memory
- Hypertension
- Excessive stretch marks
- Muscle or joint pain or weakness
- Hormone imbalance
- Having a short fuse when things go wrong
What Is The Reason For Stress Hormone & Adrenal Fatigue Testing?
Stress Hormone and Adrenal Fatigue Testing (aka a Saliva Hormone test or the DUTCH Complete test), are valuable tools in understanding adrenal health. Sometimes it is hard for us to even realize that stress and our adrenal health is an issue, because it becomes such an inevitable part of our busy days. The symptoms can be broad, affecting various aspects of your life, from energy levels to emotional well-being. Testing can help not only open our eyes to the impact stress is having, but help us take intentional action.
How To Test For Stress Hormone & Adrenal Fatigue
Saliva Hormone Testing offers a deeper understanding of your adrenal health and its impact on your overall well-being. If you’re experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, sleep disturbances, or any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s time to consider testing to find out exactly what the problem is and what the root causes are. The testing process is simple, noninvasive, and painless. It involves four small saliva or urine samples in the comfort of your home, office, or any convenient location. These tests allow you and your practitioner to see your cortisol pattern, circadian rhythm, level of adrenal fatigue, and possible causes.
Your adrenal stress test results can provide your practitioner with the insights needed to create a personalized wellness plan, helping you regain control of your health and live a happier, more balanced life.
How Much Does It Cost To Test?
The cost can vary depending on the type of test you take. Contact us to speak with a practitioner about your options.
What Are Your Potential Next Steps After the Test?
If you do have adrenal fatigue, you’ll want to work with a practitioner to make sure you’re supporting your best health by…
- Eating foods that serve your body the most.
- Drinking lots of water, at least 50% of your body weight in ounces each day.
- Prioritizing 8+ hours of high quality sleep (we can teach you how!).
- Moving your body daily in whatever way you enjoy like walking, hiking, swimming, or visiting the gym.
- Tending to your emotional well-being (put your oxygen mask on first!)
- Utilizing supplements meant for your specific type of adrenal fatigue. Sometimes these can be the catalyst to help you achieve your other goals.
Adrenal fatigue highlights the importance of addressing chronic stress and lifestyle factors to support overall health and well-being. If you suspect you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue, consider consulting with a practitioner who can provide personalized guidance and a holistic approach to help you regain your energy and vitality. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and make lasting changes for long-term adrenal health. Contact Ann Arbor Holistic Health today to learn more about stress and adrenal fatigue testing and whether it’s right for you.
