Adrenal cortex hormones cortisol and DHEA may affect……
Metabolism	Anti-inflammatory response
Thyroid function	Resistance to stress

 

Alterations in cortisol and DHEA concentrations may contribute to improvements in stress resilience
Energy levels	Resistance to disease
Emotional states	General sense of well-being

Cortisol

Most of the physiological functions of cortisol serve as a reserve of metabolic energy. During physiological and psychological stress responses, cortisol is released in large amounts. When stress becomes chronic, the body continuously secretes glucocorticoids, leading to adrenal cortical dysfunction and adrenal hyperplasia.

The adverse effects of excessive cortisol
Bone and muscle tissue	Cardiovascular function
Sleep	Immune defense
Thyroid function	Weight control
Glucose regulation	Aging

DHEA

DHEA has the following functions: it helps regulate the body’s response to stress and counteracts the harmful effects of stress hormones. Often referred to as the 'stress terminator,' DHEA serves as a precursor for the synthesis of sex hormones, helps prevent age-related degenerative conditions, enhances immune function, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and helps prevent osteoporosis. The assessment of DHEA levels varies depending on age and sex.

Diseases associated with DHEA imbalance
Impaired immunity	Depression
Insulin resistance	Alzheimer's disease
Cancer	Panic disorder
Obesity	Cardiovascular disease

The important information provided by Stress Hormone Rhythm with CAR is as follows

• Salivary analysis can provide insight into DHEA and cortisol secretion patterns. Multiple samples collected throughout the day help physicians assess the diurnal rhythm of cortisol, serving as an indicator of modern lifestyle-related diseases.
• The cortisol awakening response (CAR) can be used to evaluate stress balance. An elevated CAR is associated with coronary artery disease and upper respiratory tract infections, while a decreased CAR is related to hypertension, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and chronic fatigue.
• Abnormal cortisol diurnal rhythms can affect multiple bodily functions, including energy production, muscle and joint function, bone health, immune function, sleep quality, and skin regeneration.
• The balance between stress and anti-stress hormones reflects adrenal cortical hormone variations during different stress phases.
• The cortisol/DHEA ratio can be used as an indicator of health status and aging. These two hormones have an inverse relationship, and an imbalance may reduce the body’s capacity to cope with stress.
• Developing personalized treatment plans: Based on test results, interventions may include dietary adjustments, stress management, and/or nutritional supplementation.