Cortisol, Saliva x 4 -TEST KIT

• Cortisol, Saliva Noon —

  This test is only available in packaged tests, such as Cortisol x 4, Sleep and Stress Panel, Adrenal Stress,  Men's Combination Health Panel Plus, Women's Combination Health Panel Plus, Men's Health Panel Plus or Women's Health Panel Plus.

• Cortisol, Saliva Night —

  This test is only available in packaged tests, such as Cortisol x 4, Sleep and Stress Panel, Adrenal Stress,  Men's Combination Health Panel Plus, Women's Combination Health Panel Plus, Men's Health Panel Plus or Women's Health Panel Plus.

• Cortisol, Saliva Morning -TEST KIT —

  This Ayumetrix test measures the level of Cortisol through a saliva sample collected within 30 minutes of waking. 

• Cortisol, Saliva Evening —

  This test is only available in packaged tests, such as Cortisol x 4, Sleep and Stress Panel, Adrenal Stress,  Men's Combination Health Panel Plus, Women's Combination Health Panel Plus, Men's Health Panel Plus or Women's Health Panel Plus.

What's it used for?

TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, as a glucocorticoid it is very essential to our endocrine system. It is the steroid hormone that is responsible fight off stress. Released from the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands, it has numerous functions and significance to our general health and wellbeing.

The adrenal cortex is made of three layers. Cortisol is produced in the middle layer and is regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The production is triggered when the levels of this steroid hormone go down in the blood. As a result, the hypothalamus releases the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) that triggers the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary glands. This stimulates adrenal glands to release cortisol. So, this process requires that all three involved glands be functioning right.

Cortisol plays important roles in numerous systems such as our stress responses, immune system, nervous system, circulatory system, skeletal system and metabolism. It is the main role player in a fight-or-flight response triggered as a result of a stimulus. When our body faces a situation that may seem dangerous or threatening, such as a dog barking at us, the whole cortisol production pathway gets initiated. Our adrenal glands produce and secrete cortisol as well as adrenaline. This will give our body enough energy and strength to overcome this situation and its responses. These include having a rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, an upset stomach, diarrhea and panic. For our body to fight off this situation, internally, the cortisol released automatically inhibits our growth processes, as well as our digestive, reproductive and immune system.

When we face long periods of stress, our cortisol levels remain higher than normal. This could lead to damages to our body. From another angle, low levels can be as risky. Cortisol levels can be measured using numerous methods. The cortisol blood test measures the amounts of cortisol that are free and bound. It is done once per day and cannot truly explain how cortisol levels are changing throughout the day. The urine and saliva test measure the free cortisol levels that are bioavailable.

The saliva cortisol x4 test measures cortisol levels at four different instances within a 24-hour period. Its results are insightful as to how much of this hormone is bioavailable and free to be used, and how the body’s cortisol production system is functioning within 24 hours.

Why take the Cortisol Saliva x4 test?

The saliva cortisol x4 test is a great indicator that help diagnose Cushing syndrome, adrenal insufficiency as well as detect health problems related to pituitary and adrenal glands. The test is also recommended to be done, at different intervals, after a person is diagnosed to assess how effective the treatment is.

You need to get tested if you think you may have low cortisol levels, which is are reflected by some signs and symptoms. You have adrenal insufficiency if you are losing weight for no apparent reason. Having some muscles weakness and feeling tired all the time can also indicate Addison disease. Finally, you may notice the appearance of dark patches on your skin, start having abdominal pain or have your blood pressure decreasing.

Getting tested early and seeking the proper treatment can prevent future complications from arising. For instance, when your cortisol levels are abnormally low, prolonged decreased levels can be life-threatening. When you are experiencing a crisis, you may develop symptoms like having a sudden acute pain in the lower back, abdomen and legs, vomiting and having diarrhea that lead to dehydration, lose consciousness and have low blood pressure.

You also have to get tested if you have symptoms of high cortisol levels. These include having hypertension (high blood pressure), high blood glucose level (diabetes), becoming obese (accumulating far in the abdominal area), having a fragile skin that has purple streaks on the abdomen, developing osteoporosis and feeling weakness in your muscles. Women who have irregular menstrual periods and abnormal facial hair growth, need to get tested.

What can cause abnormal levels of Cortisol Saliva?

Many factors can affect the results of your salivary cortisol test. First, it is recommended if you stop any rigorous exercising regimen the day before. Also, some medicines may have an impact on your results. So, if you are taking such pills, you are recommended to stop them temporarily. These include anti-seizure drugs, estrogen, synthetic glucocorticoids, as well as androgens.

Since the test requires saliva sample, you need to stop eating or drinking about 30 minutes prior to giving the sample. It is also recommended if you, also, do not brush your teeth.

Stress can fluctuate your values; so, make sure you pick a relaxing day to get tested. Since the test is done at-home, this means that it is flexible and convenient.

According to a study done by the University College London and the Technical University of Dresden in Germany, alcohol can increase your salivary cortisol levels. So, make sure you do not take any alcoholic beverage a day prior and the same day you are giving your saliva to get tested.

Another study, published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, showed that cigarette smoking can intensely cause high levels of salivary cortisol. So, to obtain valuable test results, you need to stop smoking a day before the test.

What your Cortisol Saliva x4 results mean?

When you take the at-home cortisol saliva x4 test, you need to interpret the values as well as their changes throughout the day. Your four results have to follow a pattern: high levels are expected when you wake up and low levels when you sleep.

According to Mayo Clinic, normal cortisol levels in the morning, between 7 am and 9 am, need to be between 100 and 750 ng/dL. If the sample is taken between 3 pm and 5 pm; then, values need to be less than 400 ng/dL. Finally, your night samples should be minimal and be less than 100 ng/dL. You have to keep in mind that these values are valid for someone who wakes up in the morning and sleeps at night. Those who have night shifts at work would expect the values to be high at night (upon waking up), and low in the morning (when it is bedtime).

Where can I get a Cortisol Saliva x4 test near me?

This test kit will be mailed to you via USPS. You will receive 4 saliva collection tubes as well as other materials in the test kit. Please review all instructions prior to performing this test. Depending on the tests ordered it may not be necessary to fill all 4 saliva tubes. All 4 saliva tubes must be filled if you have ordered any test that includes 4 cortisol tests. Kits should be shipped via USPS back to the laboratory in the enclosed packaging. Results take 1 to 2 weeks upon receipt of the specimen by the laboratory.

TEST KIT REFUND POLICY- Kits can be cancelled anytime prior to sending the specimen to the lab.  There is a $25 fee to cover the kit costs and shipping. So a full refund is minus $25.

TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Mar 12, 2021