Cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands, follows a natural diurnal rhythm, peaking in the early morning and tapering through the afternoon and evening. This test captures four saliva samples over a 24-hour period, providing a clear profile of free, biologically active cortisol and its circadian pattern.
Out-of-range cortisol levels can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle, weaken immune function, and contribute to cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health disorders. Salivary testing offers a noninvasive, practical method for evaluating HPA axis function, chronic stress, and cortisol dysregulation in patients with suspected endocrine or stress-related conditions.
This test is often used in subsequent endocrine testing, including:
- Dexamethasone suppression test (DST) to identify
Cushing’s Syndrome - Cosyntropin (ACTH) stimulation test to diagnose
Addison’s disease
- Diurnal cortisol level measurement
- 4 saliva samples for a complete 24-hour profile
- Noninvasive saliva sample collection
- Consistent, accurate, & dependable molecular testing
- View sample report
- Watch saliva collection instruction video
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