Stress is a significant aspect of modern life, arising from various sources such as environmental, mental, emotional, and physiological factors. This assessment examines the secretion and metabolic status of hormones related to stress, serving as an indicator for modern diseases associated with anxiety, depression, fear, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, sexual dysfunction, infertility, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, osteoporosis, anorexia nervosa, sleep instability, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and more.

Changes in adrenal cortex hormone levels during different stress phases

Stress Response Phases

Phase 1: Normal Response Phase

• Both cortisol and DHEA levels increase with stress, typically without any symptoms.

Phase 2: Early Compensation

• Cortisol levels rise while DHEA levels decrease, leading to symptoms such as anxiety and emotional instability.

Phase 3: Late Compensation

• Both cortisol and DHEA levels decline, resulting in depression and fatigue.

 

Cortisol

Cortisol's Physiological Role and Adrenal Adaptation to Stress. Cortisol primarily functions as an energy reserve during stress responses. When faced with physiological and/or psychological stress, cortisol is released in significant amounts. If stress persists, the secretion of glucocorticoids is prolonged, leading to maladaptive responses in the adrenal cortex and adrenal hyperplasia.

 

Adverse Effects of Excessive Cortisol
Skeletal and Muscle Tissues	Cardiovascular Function
Sleep	Immune Deficiency
Thyroid Function	Weight control
Glucose regulation	Aging

 

DHEA plays the following roles

• Balance the body's response to stress and counteracts the harmful effects of stress hormones.
• Acts as a precursor for the synthesis of sex hormones.
• Prevents age-related degenerative conditions.
• Enhances immune function.
• Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
• Prevents osteoporosis.
• Its levels vary with age and gender.

 

Low levels of DHEA have been linked to
Impaired immunity	Depression
Insulin resistance	Alzheimer's disease
Cancer	Panic disorder
Obesity	Cardiovascular disease

The important information provided by Adrencortex Hormone Profile is as follows

• Evaluate the secretion and status of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis neuroendocrine balance.
• Understand the secretion levels and conditions of adrenal DHEA and cortisol, and their relationship with stress reserve capacity, serving as indicators of modern diseases.
• Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone regulated by ACTH in a circadian rhythm. Testing is best performed in the morning (8:00 AM) to assess adrenal insufficiency; testing in the afternoon or evening (4:00–11:00 PM) can differentiate Cushing's syndrome.
• Abnormal cortisol diurnal rhythms can affect various body 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 changes in adrenal cortical hormone levels and physiological coordination during different stress phases.
• The stress balance index (Cortisol/DHEA) serves as an indicator of health status and aging. These two hormones have an inverse relationship; imbalance can reduce the body's stress tolerance.
• The cortisol/cortisone metabolic balance index reflects the body's ability to handle stress. During physiological and/or psychological stress responses, cortisol is released in large amounts, increasing this ratio.
• Develop personalized treatment plans based on test results, incorporating diet, stress reduction, and/or nutritional supplements.