Why Testing Cortisol & DHEA-S is Essential for Managing Stress

Stress affects nearly everyone, but feeling constantly stressed shouldn’t be normalized as part of a "busy" lifestyle. Chronic stress can lead to significant health issues, from mental fatigue to physical symptoms. For National Stress Awareness Day, let’s take a closer look at two key markers, Cortisol and DHEA-S, that play a critical role in your body’s response to stress. Regularly checking these markers can give you insight into how your body is handling stress, helping you take the right steps toward managing it.

Cortisol: The Primary Stress Hormone

Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is released by the adrenal glands and helps the body respond to stressful situations. When stress occurs, cortisol levels spike, preparing your body for a “fight or flight” response. While this is useful in emergencies, long-term high cortisol can negatively impact:

• Mental Health: Persistent high cortisol levels are linked to anxiety and depression. Chronic stress can make it harder for cortisol to decrease, keeping the body in a constant state of alertness and leading to mental fatigue.
• Physical Health: Chronically elevated cortisol may contribute to heart disease, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and even a suppressed immune system.

Regularly monitoring cortisol through a Cortisol & DHEA-S Test can help you determine if your stress levels are within a healthy range or if it’s time to implement lifestyle changes to manage stress more effectively.

DHEA-S: Balancing Cortisol’s Effects

DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), another hormone produced by the adrenal glands, works as a balancing agent to cortisol. Often considered an “anti-stress” hormone, DHEA-S counteracts some of cortisol’s more damaging effects and helps regulate mood, energy, and immune function. Healthy levels of DHEA-S support resilience to stress and protect the body from cortisol overload.

Low levels of DHEA-S can make it more challenging to handle stress, leading to faster burnout and an increased likelihood of mood imbalances. The Cortisol & DHEA-S Test is an accessible way to monitor these two hormones together and see if they’re in a healthy balance.

Quick, Science-Backed Tips to Lower Cortisol & Support DHEA-S

Understanding your Cortisol and DHEA-S levels is a step toward managing stress more effectively. Once you’ve tested these markers, here are some simple ways to support healthy stress levels:

1. Exercise Regularly, but Don’t Overdo It: Regular physical activity can lower cortisol and increase DHEA-S. Aim for moderate exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or light resistance training, which have been shown to balance cortisol without over-stressing the body.
2. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Studies show that even 10 minutes of mindfulness a day can significantly reduce cortisol. This could be a quick meditation in the morning, a brief break to focus on your breathing, or a calming activity like journaling.
3. Get Quality Sleep: Poor sleep can increase cortisol levels. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep to let your body naturally regulate stress hormones and restore DHEA-S.
4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Including nutrient-dense foods—like leafy greens, nuts, and berries—can help keep both cortisol and DHEA-S levels stable. Omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseed are also beneficial for reducing stress.

Why Normalizing Stress is Dangerous

The societal expectation to accept chronic stress as a norm can be dangerous. High cortisol and low DHEA-S levels contribute to a range of serious health concerns, from heart disease to mental health struggles. If you find yourself constantly stressed, know that it’s a signal from your body to slow down and address the root causes. Monitoring your stress markers with a Cortisol & DHEA-S Test is a proactive step to understand your stress profile and adjust habits for a healthier balance.

Taking charge of your stress today can be a powerful investment in your long-term health. By using tools like a Cortisol & DHEA-S Test, you’ll gain insights into your unique stress response and have the data you need to make healthier choices.