Which cortisol test?

[hw7342]

Hi All,

Do you think the more comprehensive Genova saliva Cortisol/DHEA/sigA test is worth paying a bit extra for or is the standard cortisol/DHEA one sufficient? Referenced below... Thank you...

Adrenal Stress Profile (ASI): Cortisol/DHEA Specimen requirements: Saliva

Cost: £77.00 (Discounted Price for TUK only) Order Code: END01

Turnaround time: 7 - 10 days

This saliva test can detect imbalances in the daily circadian secretions of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones can indicate an inappropriate response that can negatively impact energy levels, emotions, and many other health complaints. These include anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, depression, migraines, headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual difficulties and infertility.

Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile: Cortisol/DHEA/Secretory IgA (SIgA) Specimen requirements: Saliva

Cost: £107.00

Order Code: END02

Turnaround time: 12 - 15 days

The Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile comprises of the standard Adrenal Stress Profile, which assesses cortisol and DHEA levels, and a Secretory IgA (SIgA) test. Stress is cumulative, and emotional, physical and/or metabolic stress affects the body in the same way. Chronic maladaptation of stress, signalled by imbalances of cortisol, DHEA and SIgA can lead to the most common health complaints of the 21st century. Both excesses and deficiencies of DHEA and cortisol have been implicated in the aetiology of various illnesses and immune suppression. Therefore preventative and therapeutic approaches should emphasise the critical importance of maintaining the proper equilibrium of these adrenal hormones. How an individual copes with the actual stress on a physiological level is largely dependent on nutritional status, lifestyle factors, and the period of time subjected to stress. Emotional behaviour and personal attitudes can be closely interlinked with physiological expression of stress.

[Gillypop]

Great question, I've been researching the same thing and can't work out which to go for. Hope you get some answers.

[Hidden]

hw,

IgA (SIgA) is the main immunoglobulin in mucus secretions in the gut and a high or low result may indicate inflammation or infection such as candida.

Mucus secretions line the gut against gastro-intestinal pathogens ( bacteria, food proteins, parasites, fungi, toxins and viruses) and SIgA antibodies prevent bacteria and undigested food proteins from binding to the gut cells surface. Low thyroid hormone can make the mucus secretions dry up, encouraging gut dysbiosis.

Therefore of you have gut issues as well as adrenal, it might be worth having this test.

However, for gut issues I myself would recommend a stool test that would tell you not only if the wrong type of bacteria (parasites, etc) are present but exactly what sort they are, enabling you to appropriately treat.

Flower

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

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[abby3216]

I was just advised by my MD doctor last week that there is a more comprehensive and easier test coming out very soon that will replace the Genova cortisol saliva test. You might ask your doctor when.....I am on a mailing list from my doc to have it sent to me.

The Genova CDSA test that Flower mentioned is very informative.

[Rett713]

I had the comprehensive one done as I suspected I might have adrenal fatigue, I just thought at the time it was only a bit more so go for than one. Funny enough cortisol and dhea were fine it was the secretory iga that was low and I wouldn't have thought of this if it hadn't been included in the test.

[hw7342]

Thank you all for responding so quickly and helpfully. I did have a CDSA done by Metametrix (sent to their lab in the U.S.) in 2012 which showed my SigA to be fine right bang in middle of the range. Although of course this might have changed by now so i will have a think about what i want to do...

[hw7342]

I have decided to do the SigA version of the Genova cortisol saliva test. abby3216 thank you for info re new test but i don't have a doctor overseeing my thyroid properly atm and i really need to get moving with something so I'm just going to opt for this... would love to hear all about it though once you have more details.... thanks again.