Adrenal Function Testing

Stress has its place in a healthy body. Small bursts of our stress hormones are essential to keep us functioning and performing in everyday life. However, when prolonged stress causes a continuous exposure to rushes of adrenaline and/or cortisol which compromises our waking and sleeping patterns, and increases inflammation. This condition may cause nutrient depletions, e.g. calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, to mention a few important ones. A number of body functions start to be compromised: from our digestion and our ability to detoxify.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition in which the body has stopped being able to cope with defence mechanisms, because the adrenal glands are no longer capable of releasing cortisol at the correct time and in the correct doses, nor are they able to counter the reduction of cortisol with the equally important release of DHEA hormone.

What are some common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
– Low energy
– Craving salty foods
– Brain fog
– Poor sleep quality
– Difficulty waking
– Low libido
– Reliance on caffeine
– Weakened immunity
– Inability to handle stress
– Central (abdominal cavity) weight gain

What can testing your adrenals do for you?
Testing your adrenal glands can give you and your health care practitioner the information required to see which stage of adrenal exhaustion you may be at. There is a lot of support available through the intake of correct nutrients in terms of both food and supplementation, when required, to help your adrenal glands return to their correct function.

What does adrenal testing involve?
The adrenal test requires 5 salivary samples to be taken at specific times throughout one day. Results are available within 15 working days. A comprehensive test report details the levels of cortisol throughout the day, as well as morning and afternoon DHEA concentration and the cortisol/DHEA ratio.

The role of your healthcare professional 
Functional tests should always be performed with the help of qualified professionals as they are able to interpret the test results, explain them to you in a clear and informed manner, as well as create a full dietary protocol that can support your condition.Nutritional therapists have studied and trained thoroughly in functional testing and are qualified to perform all functional tests.

What happens at the initial appointment?
I will discuss your symptoms with you, help you understand why you may be experiencing specific symptoms and decide whether Adrenal testing or another type of testing may be more appropriate (Vit. D, Thyroid, IgG for Food Intolerances, Leaky Gut, Candida, DNA testing). If Adrenal Testing is the most appropriate, I will then explain to you exactly how to test and will give you a kit to take away with you.

What happens after the test results?
You will attend a follow up appointment with me and I will assess the results, explain them to you and create a personalised dietary protocol which will also contain lifestyle changes. All foods, supplements and lifestyle changes will be negotiated and agreed with the client to ensure full compliance. The client’s motivation and cooperation in making dietary and lifestyle changes happen is fundamental for the success of the programme.

Costs
Initial: £30
Adrenal Test: £108 (Lab cost)
Follow up: £70
You would receive your fully personalised protocol within 3 to 4 days of your follow up appointment.