Ailments & Conditions

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Tests for Adrenal Fatigue

Scientists or doctors who believe in adrenal fatigue think that the main hallmark of the condition is a lower level of cortisol than normal. Nevertheless, levels of cortisol and other hormones in the body can fluctuate a lot in different time of the day or month. They may interact with each other as well. Common diagnostic tests for adrenal fatigue include:

– Cortisol levels: This hormone is released by the body when you are under stress. It can be measured through saliva, urine, or blood tests.

– TSH levels: TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone is released by the pituitary gland. Checking TSH levels can help determine whether the thyroid is functioning properly or not.

– DHEA-sulfate serum test: This hormone is also produced by the adrenal glands. The test can help detect a deficiency of dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, which is often linked to low sex drive and poor mood.

– ACTH hormone test: This hormone is released by pituitary to regulate cortisol levels. Abnormal results would indicate a lung, adrenal, or pituitary disease. [5]