Hormone testing involves more than testing progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Fatigue and insomnia are often caused by imbalances in two other important hormones: DHEA and cortisol. Specifically, cortisol has a natural circadian rhythm that in the healthy person allows us to get out of bed with energy, maintain consistent energy all day long and fall asleep in 5-10 minutes at the appropriate bed time – not on the couch! Unfortunately, for many people this natural cortisol rhythm has been disrupted by stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a busy non-stop schedule. Cortisol saliva testing involves taking a saliva sample 4 times throughout the day to understand how cortisol levels rise and fall during the waking hours. With accurate diagnostic information, specific treatment protocols are designed to support natural energy levels and good quality deep sleep.
