Further Information

Stress is cumulative. Emotional, physical and/ or metabolic stress affects the body in the same way. The word stress often corresponds with the modern idea of vulnerability to multiple work demands, time pressures, divorces and debt, as opposed to our early ancestors, who would have viewed stress perhaps in terms of heat, altitude, famine or predators etc. Stress also includes both external and internal forces, ranging from injury and physical trauma to bacterial/ viral assaults.

How an individual copes with the actual stress, on a physiological level, is largely dependant on our nutritional status, lifestyle factors and the period of time we are subjected to a particular stressor. Emotional behaviour and personal attitudes can be closely interlinked with physiological expression of stress. This reaction however remains a natural and inherent survival mechanism, which should result in a temporary upset of the natural homeostatic balance of the stress hormones to help the individual cope with the stressor. The two main hormones measured in the Adrenal Stress Index are Cortisol and DHEA.

CORTISOL

Secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) produced in the pituitary gland. Cortisol levels are affected by diurnal rhythm (sleep-wake cycle), neural stress signals, and/or pathological conditions that override the negative feedback mechanisms involved in cortisol production. Cortisol has a significant effect on protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, muscle tissue maintenance, myocardial integrity, and suppression of inflammatory responses. High cortisol can also result in decreased permeability of capillary endothelium.

Functions of Cortisol:

1. Mobilises and increases amino acids in the blood and liver for use as fuel source
2. Mobilises fatty acids to be used as fuel for energy source
3. Counters inflammatory cascade and reduces allergic response
4. Maintains blood pressure and volume by controlling sodium retention
5. Provides resistance to stress (infection, trauma etc)
6. Increases mental and physical energy
7. Dampens inflammation and depressess the immune system
8. Aids mood and emotional stability

DHEA

DHEA serves as a metabolic intermediate in the pathway for the synthesis of testosterone, oestrogen, and oestradiol. It also affects lipogenesis, mitochondrial respiration, protein synthesis, and thyroid hormone function. The decline of DHEA levels with aging correlated with a general decline of cell-mediated immunity and increased incidence of malignancies, suggesting immuno-modulatory effects for DHEA. DHEA has been shown to have an anti-obesity effect by decreasing adipose tissue, hyperinsulinemia and food intake. DHEA could also serve as an important modifiable factor in the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Low DHEA/cortisol ratios are frequently seen in patients with surgical stress, depression, anorexia and panic disorders. Decreased DHEA levels may be seen in thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, reduced immunity, rheumatic diseases and excess cortisol production, or with administration of pharmacological doses of glucocorticosteroids. Low levels are indicative of a lowered capacity to endure physiological/ psychological stress/ trauma/ injury, and may present with abnormal immune response, with increased incidence of autoimmune disease.

Functions of DHEA:

1. Stimulates and strengthens the immune system by improving the resistance to microbes, allergies and cancer and by decreasing the suppression caused by excess cortisol
2. Improves metabolism aiding efficient conversion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats to energy.  This in turn can reduce fat storage
3. It can slow down the natural aging process
4. Aids dietary protein synthesis helping mood, optimum wellness and reducing food intolerances
5. It can help prevent osteoporosis
6. Lowers LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol can contribute to heart disease)
7. Decreases PMS and menstrual difficulties
8. Decreases cravings
9. Increases the base metabolic rate discouraging fat storage

Technical information:

Method: EIA (Enzyme Immuno Assay)

Sample requirements: 4 x saliva samples, collected at the specific times stated in the instructions.

Patient requirements: Please ensure no steroid medication (including hormones, inhalers and creams) is taken 48 hours prior to sample collection, unless wishing to monitor therapy. Please note that long term steroid use may influence test results.

Analytes measured: Cortisol and DHEA

Be aware: when completing a Male or Female Hormone test you will NOT need to do a Stress test (Adrenal Stress Test). This is because this test is included within the Male and Female Hormone tests.