Do you feel constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, or “off”—even when you’re trying to take care of yourself? These could be signs that your adrenal glands are out of balance.
But how do you know if it’s just stress or something deeper, like adrenal fatigue or burnout? The answer is to test your adrenal glands.
Your adrenal glands produce cortisol and DHEA, two vital hormones that regulate your stress response, metabolism, energy, and immune function. When these hormones are too high or too low, your body can’t function at its best, and you feel it.
Here are the most effective ways to test adrenal function:
- Saliva Test (4-Point Cortisol + DHEA)
This non-invasive test is done at home and measures cortisol levels throughout the
day—morning, noon, evening, and bedtime—along with DHEA. It gives a clear picture
of how your body handles stress in real time and whether your rhythm is off. - Blood Test (Cortisol AM/PM + DHEA)
This is a convenient option if you’re already doing routine lab work. It measures
morning and afternoon cortisol and DHEA levels. While less comprehensive than the
saliva test, it can still identify abnormal highs or lows in adrenal output. - Urine DUTCH Test
The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test is the most detailed
option. It measures cortisol, cortisone, DHEA, and even metabolites that show how
your body processes hormones. It’s ideal for identifying complex adrenal dysfunction
and is especially helpful when hormones and sleep are also disrupted.
All of these tests help answer one important question:
Are you just stressed—or are you truly burned out? Knowing the difference is key because the treatment is different in each case. Stress can often be managed with short-term changes. But adrenal burnout requires targeted, longer-term support to rebuild energy, improve mood, and restore hormone balance.
Not sure which test is right for you? That’s where we come in. Book an appointment with us today, and let’s figure out the best way to assess your adrenal health and create a personalized plan to support your recovery.
