- DHEA Sulfate: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is an androgen, a male sex hormone that is present in the blood of both men and women. It has a role to play in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty, and it can be metabolized by the body into more potent androgens, such as testosterone and androstenedione, or can be changed into the female hormone estrogen. DHEAS is produced by the adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts being produced by the woman's ovaries and man's testes. DHEAS secretion is controlled by the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and by other pituitary factors.
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- Since DHEAS is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, it is useful as a marker for adrenal function. Adrenal tumors, cancers, and hyperplasia can lead to the overproduction of DHEAS. While elevated levels may not be noticed in adult men, they can lead to amenorrhea and visible symptoms of virilization. Excess levels of DHEAS in children can cause precocious puberty in boys; and ambiguous external genitalia, excess body hair, and abnormal menstrual periods in girls.
- Cortisol: Blood and urine tests for cortisol are used to help diagnose Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease, two serious adrenal disorders. Some physicians are using salivary cortisol to diagnose Cushing's syndrome as well as to evaluate possible stress-related disorders, although these uses are not widespread.
- Blood and urine tests for cortisol are used to help diagnose Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease, two serious adrenal disorders. Some physicians are using salivary cortisol to diagnose Cushing's syndrome as well as to evaluate possible stress-related disorders, although these uses are not widespread. Cortisol has many functions. It helps the body break down food for energy (metabolism), and it helps the body manage stress. Cortisol levels can be affected by many conditions, such as physical or emotional stress, strenuous activity, infection, or injury.Normally, cortisol levels rise during the early morning hours and are highest about 7 a.m. They drop very low in the evening and during the early phase of sleep. However, if you sleep during the day and are up at night, this pattern may be reversed. If you do not have this daily change (diurnal rhythm) in cortisol levels, you may have overactive adrenal glands
