Testing by CLIA approved lab: Ayumetrix
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Cortisol, Saliva Morning -TEST KIT
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This Ayumetrix test measures the level of Cortisol through a saliva sample collected within 30 minutes of waking.
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Cortisol, Saliva Night
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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.
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Cortisol, Saliva Evening
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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.
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Cortisol, Saliva Noon
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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.
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Melatonin, Morning
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This test is only available in the melatonin x 4 or Sleep and Stress Panel.
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Melatonin, Evening Unavailable
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This test is only available in the melatonin x 4 or Sleep and Stress Panel.
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Melatonin, Afternoon
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This test is only available in the melatonin x 4 or Sleep and Stress Panel.
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Melatonin, Saliva x 4
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This Ayumetrix test measures the level of Melatonin in the body throughout the day through 4 saliva samples.
What's it used for?
This test will measure two key hormones that are the common causes of stress and difficulty sleeping.
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.
- 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.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain's pineal gland and helps control sleep cycles.
- The production of melatonin is typically influenced by the time of the day. It should decrease during daytime or light hours and decrease during nighttime or dark hours.
- Melatonin production may also be influenced by seasonal changes, artificial light as well as the normal aging process.
- Melatonin not only aids in the circadian cycle, but may also aid in immune system function as well as act as an antioxidant to aid the body in protecting cells against free radicals that may cause diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
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 or melatonin 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: Feb 18, 2021