Cortisol & DHEA Test (Medium)

About this test – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Medium)

When is this test relevant?

• Fatigue or low energy

• Difficulty waking in the morning

• Feeling more alert later in the day

• Ongoing stress or burnout

• Sleep disturbances

• Interest in understanding both cortisol patterns and overall hormone balance

How it works

1. Collect saliva samples at four time points: upon waking (6–8 AM), at noon, at 4 PM, and at 8 PM

2. Send your sample to the laboratory using the prepaid return envelope

3. Your sample is analysed at an accredited laboratory

4. Receive your digital results within 3–5 days

You can also use our AI-based chat to help interpret your results.

Key information

• Sample type: Saliva

• Sampling: 4 saliva samples

• Turnaround time: 3–5 days from when the lab receives your sample

• Results: Delivered digitally

• Laboratory: Accredited laboratory

• Shipping: Return shipping included

Accredited Laboratory

Your sample is analysed at a NATA-accredited laboratory in Australia, operating in accordance with ISO 15189 standards for medical testing. This ensures that all analyses are performed using validated methods and strict quality control procedures.

Biomarkers included – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Medium)

• DHEA-S: DHEA-S is a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens. Compared with DHEA, DHEA-S is more stable in the bloodstream and is therefore commonly measured to evaluate adrenal androgen production. Levels typically peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age. Elevated DHEA-S may be seen in conditions associated w
• Cortisol: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, known as the body's primary stress hormone. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure, making its levels important for assessing stress response and adrenal function.

How to prepare – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Medium)

Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise the day before testing. Try to follow your normal daily routine, but avoid caffeine and eating for at least 30 minutes before each sample. Ensure the first sample is taken between 6–8 AM.

Frequently asked questions – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Medium)

Why is saliva preferred over blood for cortisol testing?

Blood tests measure total cortisol (bound and free), while saliva measures the 'free' bioavailable hormone that actually interacts with your cells. Saliva is also non-invasive and allows for multiple collections in one day to accurately map your diurnal rhythm without the stress of a needle-prick triggering a cortisol spike.

How do I collect enough saliva if I have dry mouth?

If you experience dry mouth, try gently pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth or smelling a lemon slice to stimulate saliva flow. Ensuring you are well-hydrated the day before collection (though not immediately before collection) also helps ensure adequate sample volume.

Will the heat during shipping affect my sample accuracy?

The collection tubes contain stabilizing agents, and both cortisol and DHEA remain stable in saliva for several days at room temperature. For optimal results, we recommend mailing your kit on a Monday or Tuesday to ensure it reaches the lab before the weekend.

Customer reviews – Cortisol & DHEA Test (Medium)

4.6/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Solid kit. It helped me confirm why my energy crashes so hard in the afternoon.
• 5/5 — Easy to follow instructions and clear results.
• 4/5 — Very helpful for tracking my burnout. A bit difficult to collect so much saliva, but the data is worth it.
• 5/5 — Process was straightforward and results came back way faster than I expected.
• 4/5 — Fast shipping.