Diurnal Cortisol Profile
Doctor's Data
Sample type: Saliva
Requires fasting: No
At home test
Details
This profile provides a comprehensive view of HPA axis/adrenal function and includes 4 cortisol levels collected over the course of the day. Samples are collected 30 minutes after waking, before lunch, before dinner, and before bed.
- Cortisol Evening
- Cortisol Night
- Cortisol Noon
- Cortisol Morning - AM30
Estimated days for results: Results should arrive 3 to 5 days after the lab receives samples.
Cortisol levels should be at their highest level 30 minutes after waking up in the morning, decreasing gradually over the course of the day, reaching their lowest point at bedtime. The resulting curve or pattern allows health care providers to pinpoint issues with adrenal gland function. Alterations in this pattern can results in symptoms related to stress, fatigue and insomnia.
Useful for:
- Feeling stressed
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nervousness/Irritability
- Salt/Sugar cravings
- Dizzy spells
- Headaches
- Decreased stamina
- Burn out
- Chronic disease
- Anxiety/Depression
3–5 business days
- Add-on: DHEA
- Add-on: Estradiol
- Add-on: Estriole
- Add-on: Estrone
- Add-on: Progesterone
- Add-on: Secretory IgA
- Add-on: Testoterone
Before You Start
- Follow the test collection instructions here.
- If you are a menstruating woman, collect one day during days 19-23 of your menstrual cycle (assuming a 28-day cycle). Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of your period.
- If you are a man or a non-menstruating woman, collect on any day.
Hormone Use Instructions
- DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
- Topical hormones:
- Your last dose before sample collection should be 12-24 hours before collecting your first sample.
- DO NOT use on the day of saliva collection.
- Sublingual hormones or troches:
- Your last dose before sample collection should be 24-36 hours before collecting your first sample.
- Drink 2 full glasses of water (about 16 oz) after taking your last dose to clean the tissues.
- DO NOT take on the day of saliva collection.
- Hormone injections, subcutaneous pellets, or transdermal patches:
- Collect your samples at the halfway point between doses.
- Oral hormones (pills):
- Use as prescribed on the day of collection.
Cortisol or Cortisol-Containing Products
- If you are taking a cortisol supplement, glucocorticoid, or cortisol-containing medication, consult with your healthcare provider before collecting your samples.
- It is recommended to stop using these products 5 days before sample collection.
Day of Collection
- Avoid supplements and non-essential medications. DO NOT discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
- Avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages.
- Avoid anti-aging creams.
- Avoid the following for 1 hour before collecting each sample:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Avoid the following for 30 minutes before collecting each sample:
- Brushing your teeth
- Flossing your teeth
- Having dental work done
- 10 minutes before each saliva collection, rinse your mouth with water.
Collection Schedule
- Sample 1: 30 minutes after awakening
- Sample 2: Before lunch
- Sample 3: Before dinner
- Sample 4: Before bed
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
