Hormones and Adrenal Testing - Testing for Adrenal Fatigue

Hormones and adrenal testing for adrenal fatigue can take several forms.  First we have the standard hormones tests - tests that your medical doctor will likely give you - this includes testing for cortisol and and various thyroid hormones.  Then we have the tests more frequently used by integrative doctors or naturopaths, which look in particular at the ratios of various hormones and neurotransmitters to better assess how a patient is feeling.

Hormones and Adrenal Testing - Cortisol Test

Cortisol test is the major lab test used to diagnose adrenal fatigue.  Measuring your cortisol level can be done through saliva, blood or urine test, depending on your doctor's order.  These days the saliva cortisol testing is generally more accepted as it is the most accurate.  It gives a better estimate of the cortisol levels within your cells, where the hormone reactions are taking place.  Just make sure to be well-hydrated before you take your sample as dehydration can affect the results.

Your body's cortisol levels vary throughout the day.  To get a more accurate picture of your cortisol activities, you need to provide 4 individual samples at various points of the day over the course of 24 hours.

Hormones and Adrenal Testing - Thyroid Test

Adrenal fatigue can result in the weakening in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which can lead to lower thyroid function.  If your blood tests indicates mild hypothyroidism, the underlying cause might actually be adrenal fatigue.

Hormones and Adrenal Testing - Tests Used by Integrative Doctors 

Integrative doctors and naturopaths may ask for tests such as cortisol/DHEA ratio and neurotransmitter testing, which provide insights into the relative levels of various hormone imbalances and neurotransmitter deficiencies in your body.

Cortisol/DHEA Ratio - This test tells us the level of the patient's adrenal fatigue.  DHEA levels starts to fall because cortisol steals resources from sex hormone production.  Further on in the development of adrenal fatigue, cortisol levels will also begin to drop.  This ratio, combined with other tests and information, helps determine the level of adrenal fatigue the patient has reached.

17-HP/ Cortisol Ratio - 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-HP) is one of the raw materials that the body uses to create cortisol.  Adrenal fatigue patients usually have higher levels of 17-HP vs. cortisol, as the adrenals are struggle to make the proper conversion of 17-HP.

Neurotransmitter testing - Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit messages between our cells.  Just like cortisol, they can become depleted after long periods of stress.  Neurotransmitter testing is usually conducted first thing in the morning and done through urine sampling.

Doctors and naturopaths look at a variety of laboratory tests to diagnose adrenal fatigue.  They may use several of these in conjunction with one another to get a more accurate diagnosis.