Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — adrenal reserve
The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and Adrenal Function
Posted by Hormone Lab UK Editorial Team on
The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) — the 50% surge in cortisol that occurs in the first 30 minutes after waking — is one of the most sensitive markers of HPA axis health. Discover how CAR differs from the standard diurnal cortisol curve, which conditions are linked to blunted or exaggerated CAR, and how three timed morning saliva samples can reveal adrenal function in ways a single cortisol test cannot.
DHEA vs DHEA-S: Why Both Neurosteroids Are Vital for Brain Health
Posted by Dr. Kate Placzek on
DHEA and DHEA-S are the most abundant steroid hormones in the body and play a critical role in brain health, mood regulation, and cognitive function. This article explains the biochemical distinction between the two, how they act as neurosteroids, and why measuring DHEA-S is the gold standard for assessing adrenocortical activity.