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What is the Best Way to Evaluate Adrenal Function?

March 6, 2019

First, let’s understand the adrenal glands and their function in the body. Your adrenal glands are your stress glands, and they produce cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Adrenal glands also produce other hormones, like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is a precursor to all of your other sex hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Adrenal Exhaustion Quiz

Adrenal Function Testing

As a naturopathic doctor, I like to perform adrenal function testing by testing cortisol. The best way to check cortisol levels is with a saliva test. One of the reasons why it’s beneficial to do a saliva test is because it also allows us to get multiple readings throughout the day, rather than doing a blood draw (since you wouldn’t necessarily want to be getting a blood draw numerous times a day). A saliva test is also very accurate in testing levels and detecting dysfunction at a very early stage.

Saliva Test and Cortisol Analysis

When the saliva is tested for cortisol levels, our patients collect samples four times throughout the day. It’s typically at 8 am, noon, 4 pm, and then around 10 pm so that we can get a nighttime reading.

From the saliva test results, we examine:

  • What the circadian rhythm looks like with the cortisol; and
  • What the cortisol levels look like.

For example, your cortisol levels should be nice and high in the morning, slowly decline through the day, and be nice and low at night, which allows you to get a good night of sleep. We look not only at the level of cortisol but also at the rhythm of the cortisol.

Adrenal Exhaustion Quiz

Testing DHEA Levels

Another effective way naturopathic doctors performing adrenal function testing that provides part of the picture is testing DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Sometimes I’ll test DHEA with saliva, along with cortisol. Or sometimes I’ll test DHEA in the blood. This is another accurate way to get an idea of your DHEA levels, which is an indirect measure of adrenal function. It’s one more piece of the puzzle that lets us know how well your adrenals are functioning.

If you are interested in having your adrenal function tested, call 480-588-6856 to schedule a FREE brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic doctors.

Filed Under: Adrenal Function, Blogs, Hormones, Naturopathic Wellness

  • Jill MapsteadJill MapsteadPowered by Google

    Can’t say enough about Dr. Marianne Marchese! Her commitment to women’s wellness, calm, knowledgeable, non-judgemental guidance and insightful diagnoses / treatment has me turn to her for all my wellness needs. She takes the time to really listen. I feel heard and valued in her care.

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  • Stephanie LlamasStephanie LlamasPowered by Google

    Dr. Watkins is nothing short of incredible. She is kind and personable, while extremely smart and results driven. I have suffered from digestive and hormonal issues my whole life and it wasn't until I met Dr. Watkins that I finally felt heard by a Dr and saw a difference in my health. I can confidently say that my body has never felt this good and we are still working to be even better. If you are ready to feel better and feel heard from your doctor, then run, don't walk to Living Wellness.

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    We had a great first visit with Dr. Turner and we look forward to continuing to work with her. She provides true support and guidance to better health. Alexandra Cohn

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  • Irene NicholasIrene NicholasPowered by Google

    What's better than a Naturopathic Dr.... Dr. Olivia Watkins!!! I have been working with her for over a year and have learned so much about myself, she is truly a team partner in my journey. She is experienced in ANYTHING you may be experiencing. I consider her my primary physician... you should too!!!

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  • Kelly leibrandtKelly leibrandtPowered by Google

    Dr. Watkins is life changing! I am so grateful that I was referred to Living Wellness and her specifically. I’ve been dealing with severe stomach issues for 10 years and have gone through the ringer with the test, labs, and over-the-counter medicine suggested by other doctors. Dr. Watkins is so smart, thoughtful, and attentive to every detail so that she can really get down to the bottom of your problems. She feels like a teammate and a very strong coach and a friend all in one. I’m finally on my way to feeling better and I couldn’t have done this without her. If you’re struggling don’t even hesitate to see her or any of the staff at living wellness. I promise you won’t regret it!

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All material on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

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