Adrenal Cortex Stress Profile + Cortisol Awakening Response

Your adrenal glands play a critical role in how your body responds to stress, regulates energy, supports hormone balance, and maintains overall resilience. When your adrenal rhythm is disrupted—whether from chronic stress, poor sleep, or lifestyle factors—it can have a ripple effect across your entire body.

The Adrenal Cortex Stress Profile Plus Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) by Genova Diagnostics is a comprehensive, non-invasive test that evaluates adrenal gland function in detail. By measuring salivary cortisol levels throughout the day—including the crucial cortisol spike that occurs shortly after waking—this test provides a clear, actionable picture of your stress response and circadian rhythm.

This comprehensive panel measures diurnal cortisol levels across multiple time points, DHEA‑S, and potentially secretory IgA to assess HPA axis integrity and adrenal hormone balance. It’s included in our suite of Advanced Lab Testing offerings.

What Makes This Test Unique?

Unlike standard cortisol tests that only capture a single snapshot in time, this advanced profile maps your cortisol rhythm across the entire day. It specifically includes the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)—the natural cortisol surge within the first 30-45 minutes after waking, which plays a key role in energy, alertness, and resilience to stress.

By examining this diurnal cortisol pattern, you and your provider can better understand:

• Whether your cortisol levels are too high or too low at specific times of the day

• If your cortisol peaks at the wrong times, disrupting sleep and energy cycles

• How chronic stress may be affecting your adrenal resilience and long-term health

This deeper insight goes beyond basic stress testing to reveal the full picture of your adrenal health.

Who Is This Test For?

The Adrenal Cortex Stress Profile Plus CAR is ideal for individuals who are:

• Experiencing chronic stress, overwhelm, or burnout

• Feeling persistently fatigued despite adequate rest

• Struggling with poor sleep quality or difficulty waking in the morning

• Dealing with mood swings, irritability, or anxiety related to stress

• Navigating hormonal imbalances that may be linked to adrenal dysfunction

• Noticing energy crashes or fluctuations throughout the day

If you’ve been wondering why you feel tired but wired, have trouble getting restorative sleep, or simply don’t feel like yourself, this test can uncover whether your adrenal function is contributing to these symptoms. After testing, our Gut Health & Nutrient Optimization Program offers customized rebuild strategies, and you can book a Consultation with Our Expert for deeper interpretation.

Why Understanding Cortisol Patterns Matters

Your cortisol rhythm isn’t just about stress—it affects:

• Energy levels and motivation

• Sleep quality and circadian rhythm

• Metabolism and blood sugar regulation

• Immune system balance

• Hormonal harmony and resilience

When your cortisol rhythm is dysregulated, you may feel fatigued, wired, anxious, or unable to recover from stress. By identifying these imbalances early, you can intervene strategically and prevent further health challenges.

The Benefits of Testing

With precise, actionable insights into your adrenal function and circadian cortisol rhythm, this test empowers you and your healthcare provider to:

• Identify whether you’re in a state of adrenal overdrive or depletion

• Understand how your body responds to daily stressors

• Design a personalized stress recovery plan based on your unique needs

• Implement lifestyle changes, adaptogenic herbs, nutritional support, and restorative practices to rebalance your adrenal function

This is the first step toward reclaiming your energy, improving your mood, restoring deep sleep, and building true stress resilience for the long term.