DiagnosTechs Lab Testing for the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI)

DiagnosTechs Lab Testing for the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) PUBLISHED ON JUNE 23, 2016 Hi, I’m Dr. Marie Starling We are your Denver, CO Functional Medicine specialists who specialize in adjunctive care for internal disorders, autoimmune conditions, IBS, thyroid symptoms, diabetes, and other complex health issues. By:  Dr. Caitlin Landerholm, DC Why we run the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) Adrenal related disorders have become an epidemic as we currently live in a high stress society. The adrenal glands adapt to stress (emotional, chemical, physical) by producing steroid hormones cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone, and DHEA; and catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. Dysfunction of the adrenal glands is not due to a problem with the gland, but rather the pathways in the brain that signal the glands to perform their function.  Patients often have symptoms of Adrenal Stress and they take supplements for their adrenals, but they don’t improve. This is because their symptoms are NOT an adrenal gland issue. We run the ASI to rule in OR rule out Adrenal Stress Syndrome. We often know patients have this based on their symptoms, but we need to know what kind in order to treat it appropriately. Signs and symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance Fatigue Headaches with physical or mental stress and/or afternoon headaches Slow starter in the morning Crave sweets, salt, caffeine, nicotine Get shaky or light headed if meals are missed or delayed Irritable before meals Eating relieves or worsens fatigue Difficulty falling asleep (adrenal hyperfunction) or staying asleep (adrenal hypofunction) Weak immune system Allergies About the test The Adrenal Stress Index panel is a collection of 4 saliva samples during the day. A sample is collected in the morning, noon, afternoon, and evening...