Test ID: S-121 | Sample Type: Saliva | Technology: LC-MS/MS | Results Time: 3–5 Working Days After Laboratory Receives Sample | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Hormone Specialist Doctor Interpretation: Included | Suitable For: Adults and Children
What Does This Test Measure?
Saliva — Adrenal Profile (LC-MS/MS): DHEAS, Morning Cortisol, Noon Cortisol, Evening Cortisol, Night Cortisol.
5 markers — a complete adrenal function assessment measuring the primary adrenal sex hormone precursor alongside the full daily cortisol rhythm in a single at-home saliva kit.
Related Symptoms
Persistent fatigue or exhaustion that sleep does not resolve, difficulty waking in the morning, unrefreshing sleep, insomnia or night waking, anxiety or irritability, PMS or worsening luteal phase symptoms, irregular or heavy periods, perimenopausal symptoms, low libido, unexplained abdominal weight gain, sugar or salt cravings, brain fog, low blood pressure or dizziness on standing, or chronic stress and burnout.
Did You Know?
In women, the adrenal glands must sustain cortisol and DHEAS production while simultaneously responding to the hormonal demands of the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause. Chronic cortisol elevation suppresses progesterone via pregnenolone steal, drives oestrogen dominance, impairs thyroid T4-to-T3 conversion, and depletes DHEAS — disrupting the entire female hormonal system from a single adrenal pathway. After menopause, the adrenals become the primary source of sex hormones for women, making adrenal health assessment critical at every life stage. Neither DHEAS nor the full cortisol rhythm is measured by standard GP panels.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Persistent fatigue or exhaustion that sleep does not resolve
- Difficulty waking in the morning or feeling unrefreshed despite adequate sleep
- Insomnia, night waking, or racing thoughts at bedtime
- Anxiety, irritability, or emotional overwhelm
- PMS or worsening mood symptoms in the luteal phase
- Irregular, heavy, or missed menstrual cycles
- Perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms including night sweats and hot flushes
- Low libido or reduced motivation
- Unexplained weight gain particularly around the abdomen
- Sugar or salt cravings, especially in the afternoon
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory difficulties
- Low blood pressure or dizziness on standing
- Chronic stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion
- PCOS, thyroid conditions, or known hormonal imbalance
- Women on HRT wanting to understand adrenal contribution to residual symptoms
- Postmenopausal women wanting to assess adrenal sex hormone production
Why This Test Is Particularly Important for Women
- Cortisol and progesterone share the pregnenolone precursor — chronic cortisol elevation is the most common cause of low progesterone, PMS, luteal phase defect, and oestrogen dominance in women, and the 4-point profile identifies which phase of the day is driving this suppression
- DHEAS is the primary adrenal precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen in women — low DHEAS contributes to low libido, persistent fatigue, reduced stress resilience, and impaired sex hormone production, particularly in perimenopause and postmenopause
- Elevated evening and night cortisol are the most clinically significant patterns in women — preventing the progesterone and melatonin rise needed for sleep, and driving the insomnia and night sweats frequently attributed to oestrogen deficiency alone
- After menopause, the adrenals become the primary source of sex hormones — making DHEAS assessment and cortisol rhythm evaluation the most important hormonal tests for postmenopausal women, regardless of HRT status
- A flat cortisol curve combined with low DHEAS — the hallmark of advanced adrenal burnout — is clinically distinct from a high-cortisol pattern and requires a different approach; the two are indistinguishable from symptoms alone
Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?
Email us at info@hormonelab.co.uk with your gender, age, symptoms, medications, and any current treatments. We will forward your enquiry to our doctors and respond within 24 hours.
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
- Collect saliva at four time points: morning (within 30 minutes of waking, before 9am), noon, evening, and night — cycle timing guidance is included
- Post your samples to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your full report by email within 3–5 working days
What You Receive
- DHEAS result and all four cortisol readings with female-specific reference ranges
- Visual charts showing your complete daily cortisol rhythm curve and DHEAS status
- Written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor including cortisol–progesterone interaction, DHEAS adrenal reserve assessment, and cycle or life-stage context
- Personalised next-step recommendations
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
- Pioneers of at-home dried blood spot (DBS) and saliva hormone testing
- Advanced LC-MS/MS technology for clinical-grade accuracy
- Qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardization (HoSt) Program
- Personalised reference ranges based on age and sex
Through our partnership with ZRT Laboratory, Hormone Lab UK delivers internationally recognised, research-backed hormone testing to people across the UK and Europe — from the comfort of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this test particularly important for women?
Cortisol and DHEAS interact directly with oestrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones in women. Chronic cortisol elevation suppresses progesterone, drives oestrogen dominance, and depletes DHEAS — creating a cascade of hormonal disruption that underlies PMS, cycle irregularity, perimenopausal symptoms, and persistent fatigue. After menopause, the adrenals become the primary sex hormone source, making adrenal assessment essential at every life stage.
When should I collect my samples during my menstrual cycle?
This test can be taken at any point in your cycle. Guidance on optimal timing for cycling, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women is included in your kit.
Can I use this test if I am on HRT or the contraceptive pill?
Yes. This test is suitable for women on HRT, the contraceptive pill, or other hormonal medications. It is particularly valuable for understanding whether adrenal dysfunction is contributing to residual symptoms that hormone therapy is not resolving.
Why use saliva rather than blood?
Saliva LC-MS/MS measures free, bioavailable cortisol and DHEAS — the fractions active at the cellular level. A blood draw also triggers a cortisol spike that distorts results, making saliva the more clinically accurate medium for adrenal rhythm assessment.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. There are no additional charges. You are only responsible for posting your samples to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.
