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Download and Print: Women's Form Download and Print: Male form Download and Print: Menstrual Cycle Form Download and Print: Pediatric History Form SALIVA TESTING The Post Menopausal Health Panel The Male Hormone Panel The Adrenal Stress Panel Order A Saliva Test NATURAL HRT CONTACT US MARTINAVENUE.COM |
The Adrenal Stress Panel Order testThe adrenals are two small glands, each weighing 3 to 5 grams, that are located above the kidneys. The adrenals have one of the highest rates of blood flow per gram of tissue, and the highest content of Vitamin C per gram of any tissue in the body.Each adrenal gland is composed of two separate functional entities. The outer zone, or cortex, accounts for 80% to 90% of the gland, and secretes adrenal steroids (Cortisol, DHEA(S) and Aldosterone). The inner zone, or medulla, comprises 10% to 20% of the gland, and secretes the catecholamines adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. Cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline are the three main adrenal stress hormones. The Adrenal Rhythm & Its Importance The human adrenal gland does not secrete its steroid hormones at a constant level throughout the day. The hormones are actually released in a cycle with the highest value in the morning and the lowest value at night. This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm. An abnormal adrenal rhythm can influence many functions of the body, some of which are listed below. 1. Energy production Abnormal adrenal function can alter the ability
of cells to produce energy for activities of daily living. People who have a hard
time rising in the morning, or who suffer with a low energy level during the day,
often have abnormal adrenal rhythms and poor blood sugar regulation.
The maintenance of a stable blood sugar level depends on food choice, lifestyle, adrenal function and insulin activity. This panel measures stress hormones and insulin, to help ferret out causes of fatigue, cravings and obesity. 2. Muscle & joint function Abnormal adrenal rhythms are known to compromise
tissue healing. Reduced tissue repair and increased tissue breakdown can lead to
muscle and joint breakdown with chronic pain.
3. Bone health The adrenal rhythm determines how well we build
bone. If the night cortisol level is elevated and the morning level is too high,
our bones do not rebuild well, and we are more prone to the osteoporotic process.
Stress is the enemy of the bones. In postmenopausal women, the effect of stress
worsens due to the female hormone imbalances.
4. Immune health Various immune cells (white blood cells) cycle
in and out of the spleen and bone marrow for special conditioning, and possible
nourishment and instructions. This immune system trafficking follows the cortisol
cycle. So, if the cycle is disrupted, especially at night, then the immune system
is adversely affected.
Short and long-term stress is known to suppress the immune response on the surfaces of our body as in lungs, throat, urinary and intestinal tract. With the reduction in the surface antibody (called secretory IgA), the resistance to infection is reduced and allergic reactions are believed to increase. 5. Sleep quality The ability to enter REM sleep cycles, i.e.
regenerative sleep, is interrupted by high cortisol values at night and in the
morning. Chronic lack of REM sleep can reduce the mental vitality and vigor of a
person and induce depression.
6. Skin regeneration Human skin regenerates mostly during the night.
With higher night cortisol values, less skin regeneration takes place. So, a normal
cortisol rhythm is essential for optimal skin health.
7. Thyroid function The level of Cortisol at the cell level controls
thyroid hormone production. Quite often, hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and
low body temperature are due to an adrenal maladaptation.
8. Grain intolerance & stress About 12-18% of the U.S. population suffers from
a genetic intolerance to grain. Specifically, a high incidence occurs in Celtic,
Germanic, and Nordic derivation. The gut becomes inflamed within 30 minutes after
consuming the grains and this can lead to an adrenal stress response, increased
cortisol and reduced DHEA.
(Several other functions that go beyond the scope of the pamphlet are also cortisol and DHEA dependent.) The Adrenal Stress Index™ (ASI™) Four saliva samples are used in the ASI™ for the following ten tests:
Your health care provider can use the findings in this panel to recommend customized treatment and preventive measures that may include diet and lifestyle changes, hormones, botanicals and vitamins. Advantages of the ASI™
Note: The ASI™ was invented and introduced by
Diagnos-Techs, Inc. in 1989. All other panels offered on
the market are copies.
Abnormal adrenal rhythm can influence:
To determine if the ASI™ is the appropriate test for assessing your health condition, ask your physician for a stress questionnaire. The score can help your doctor determine a course of action. The ASI™ is mostly ordered for individuals that suffer from:
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