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 | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
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 testosterone 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, insomnia or night waking, low libido or erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass or poor gym recovery, unexplained abdominal fat gain, anxiety, irritability, low mood, brain fog, chronic stress or burnout, afternoon energy crashes, sugar or salt cravings, low blood pressure or dizziness on standing, frequent illness, or symptoms of low testosterone with inconclusive standard blood results.
Did You Know?
DHEAS is the most abundant adrenal hormone in men and the primary adrenal precursor to testosterone. Its decline — which begins in the late 20s and accelerates under chronic stress — directly reduces testosterone availability, libido, muscle mass, and stress resilience. Simultaneously, elevated cortisol suppresses testosterone via pregnenolone steal, promotes visceral fat and aromatase-driven estradiol conversion, and destroys the deep sleep phases responsible for 70% of daily testosterone production. DHEAS and the 4-point cortisol rhythm are the two most clinically informative markers of adrenal-driven androgenic decline in men — and are never measured together 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 inability to switch off at bedtime
- Low libido or reduced sexual interest
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual performance
- Loss of muscle mass or poor recovery after training
- Unexplained abdominal fat gain despite exercise
- Anxiety, irritability, or low mood
- Brain fog, poor focus, or reduced motivation
- Symptoms of low testosterone with normal or inconclusive standard blood results
- Chronic stress, overtraining, or burnout
- Currently on TRT and wanting a full adrenal picture
- Sugar or salt cravings, especially in the afternoon
- Low blood pressure or dizziness on standing
- Frequent illness or slow recovery from exercise or stress
Why This Test Is Particularly Important for Men
- DHEAS is the primary adrenal precursor to testosterone in men — low DHEAS directly reduces testosterone availability, libido, muscle mass, and stress resilience; its decline is one of the most underrecognised causes of andropause symptoms and is never measured by standard NHS panels
- The 4-point cortisol rhythm identifies exactly which phase of the day is driving androgenic suppression — morning cortisol via pregnenolone steal, noon cortisol via insulin resistance and aromatase, evening cortisol via suppression of the sleep testosterone surge, or night cortisol via destruction of deep-sleep testosterone synthesis
- The DHEAS-to-cortisol ratio is the definitive marker of adrenal reserve in men — a low DHEAS combined with a flat or depleted cortisol curve indicates advanced adrenal burnout requiring a different clinical approach to a high-cortisol pattern with normal DHEAS
- For men on TRT, adrenal assessment is essential — cortisol dysregulation and DHEAS deficiency are the most common causes of TRT underperformance and residual androgenic deficiency symptoms despite adequate testosterone dosing
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 — following the detailed instructions provided
- 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 male-specific reference ranges
- Visual chart showing your complete daily cortisol rhythm curve and DHEAS status
- Written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor including DHEAS–cortisol adrenal reserve assessment and testosterone impact analysis
- 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
What does this test measure?
DHEAS and Cortisol at four points throughout the day (morning, noon, evening, night) — 5 markers providing a complete picture of adrenal function, DHEAS status, and their combined impact on testosterone in men.
Why is DHEAS important for men?
DHEAS is the primary adrenal precursor to testosterone. Low DHEAS directly reduces testosterone availability, libido, muscle mass, and stress resilience, and is a key driver of andropause-like symptoms in men of all ages under chronic stress. It is never measured by standard NHS panels.
Can I use this test if I am on TRT?
Yes. This test is particularly valuable for men on TRT wanting to understand whether adrenal dysfunction — low DHEAS or cortisol dysregulation — is undermining the effectiveness of their testosterone therapy.
Why use saliva rather than blood?
Saliva LC-MS/MS measures free, bioavailable cortisol and DHEAS — the fractions actually 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.
