My preferred method of testing your adrenals.
I try to come up with blog ideas based on the questions that I have been getting in my practice, or talk about certain organ systems that have been my focus for several patients that week. Lately, I have been passing out adrenal testing kits like they are candy. So I wanted to take time to go over the ASI (Adrenal Stress Index) kit, through DiagnosTech, and why I use this test kit. I know in the past I have talked about Adrenals and Stress, twice even, and I often write blogs about stress. As a society we are often living very busy, and stress filled lives that will tax our adrenals. When it comes to treatment of the adrenals we not only have to support them with herbal tinctures, and supplements, but we also have to make lifestyle changes. The adrenals are slow to repair as many of us have countless years abusing them under our belt (burning the candle at both ends).
I run the ASI kit by itself on my patients to see how I need to support their adrenal glands. The ASI test looks at Cortisol x4, Insulin x2, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, DHEA/DHEA-S, Total salivary SIgA, and Salivary Gliadin antibodies. I like this test because the adrenals not only produce cortisol, but they are also important in salt regulation, sugar regulation, and sex hormone regulation. This test allows us to see the function of the entire adrenal gland. Often, I will see abnormal cortisol production while having normal levels of everything else. Other times I will see everything on the low side. In any case, I have a better idea with an ASI test on how I need to support my patient to get them to their health goals.
There are other ways the adrenals can be tested, but for me I really only like to do salivary testing. Four samples in one day is needed because cortisol should be higher in the morning, and lower as the day goes on. This test allows me to see how your cortisol levels change throughout the day. Blood levels of cortisol are often done only once, and I don't know about you, but when someone is coming at me with a needle I get stressed which can alter one’s cortisol level.
If you are dealing with fatigue, anxiety, depression, a wired/tired feeling, insomnia, or cravings for sweets and/or salt then I would recommend that we look into your adrenal function. Call me at (415) 912-9934 to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how I can support you, and your health goals.