Adrenal Test (Blood)

Adrenal Test (Blood)

Adrenal hormones play a central role in how the body responds to stress, regulates energy, and maintains hormonal balance. Measuring both cortisol and DHEA-S together provides a more complete picture of adrenal function than testing either alone. While cortisol reflects the immediate stress response, DHEA-S represents long-term adrenal activity and resilience. The Adrenal Test (Blood) from GetTested helps identify whether imbalances in these hormones may be contributing to fatigue, mood changes, or metabolic issues.

What are cortisol and DHEA-S?

• Cortisol: Often called the “stress hormone,” cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to both physical and emotional stress. It plays a key role in regulating blood sugar, immune function, inflammation, and circadian rhythm.
• DHEA-S: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an adrenal hormone that supports energy, mood, and resilience to stress. It also serves as a precursor to androgens and estrogens, contributing to reproductive and overall hormonal health.

Why measure adrenal hormones?

Testing cortisol and DHEA-S together offers a broader picture of adrenal function than measuring either hormone alone. It can provide important information for:

• Assessing the body’s stress response and resilience
• Investigating causes of chronic fatigue or burnout
• Understanding hormonal imbalances affecting mood, metabolism, or weight
• Identifying possible adrenal insufficiency or overactivity
• Monitoring age-related decline in DHEA-S and its impact on vitality

Symptoms of adrenal imbalance

Imbalances in cortisol or DHEA-S may cause:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty waking up or sleep disturbances
• Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
• Low libido or changes in reproductive hormones
• Weight changes, especially abdominal weight gain
• Poor stress tolerance or frequent illness

When is testing relevant?

The Adrenal Test may be relevant if you:

• Experience ongoing fatigue, stress, or burnout symptoms
• Have difficulty coping with daily stressors
• Suspect adrenal dysfunction such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome (to be confirmed by a physician)
• Want to understand how your adrenal hormones affect your energy, mood, or metabolism
• Are undergoing treatment for hormone-related conditions and need monitoring

Key benefits of the Adrenal Test

• Measures two essential adrenal hormones in one test
• Provides insights into stress response, energy, and metabolism
• Helps identify causes of fatigue, stress-related symptoms, or hormonal imbalance
• Useful for both symptom investigation and general health monitoring

How the test works

The Adrenal Test is performed using a simple dried blood spot (DBS) sample collected at home with a finger prick. For the most accurate results, the sample should be collected in the morning between 07:00 and 08:00, when cortisol levels are naturally at their peak. The sample is then sent to our accredited laboratory for analysis, and your results are delivered digitally, giving you secure and convenient access to your adrenal health insights.