The Adrenocortex Stress Profile evaluates the body’s physiological response to stress by measuring hormone levels in saliva. It primarily analyzes cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) to assess the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is the body’s central stress response system, responsible for regulating how we respond to stress. By collecting multiple saliva samples at different times of the day, the test maps out the diurnal rhythm of cortisol, offering insights into how an individual handles stress throughout the day. Additionally, the cortisol-to-DHEA ratio provides important information about the body’s balance between anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) processes.