How to prepare
Collect your four urine samples at the specified times: first morning (on waking), second morning, early evening, and bedtime. The kit includes detailed timing instructions and filter cards. Avoid excessive water intake around collection times, as this can dilute the sample. Your practitioner may advise avoiding certain supplements for 24-48 hours before collection. Check the kit instructions for full details.
After the test
- Review with a practitioner: Share your results with a naturopath, integrative GP, or functional medicine practitioner who can interpret the cortisol curve pattern and DHEA levels.
- Lifestyle factors: Your practitioner may discuss sleep hygiene, stress management strategies, and exercise timing based on your cortisol pattern.
- Further testing: Depending on results, your practitioner might recommend additional hormone testing (e.g. thyroid, sex hormones) to get a fuller picture.
- Retest to track progress: If you make changes, retesting in 3-6 months can help you and your practitioner see whether your cortisol rhythm is shifting.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Your report will show free cortisol and free cortisone levels at each of the four collection points, plotted against expected reference ranges for each time of day. It will also include your DHEA level and creatinine (used to validate sample quality).
Key things your practitioner will look at:
- Cortisol curve shape: A healthy pattern typically peaks in the morning and declines through the day. A flat curve, reversed pattern, or mid-day spike may suggest the adrenal stress response is not functioning as expected.
- Cortisone levels: Cortisone is the inactive form of cortisol. The ratio between the two can give additional insight into how your body processes cortisol.
- DHEA: This adrenal hormone is involved in energy, mood, and immune function. Low levels relative to cortisol may suggest prolonged stress.
- The full report also includes total glucocorticoid output and tetrahydro metabolites where applicable.
Results should always be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of your symptoms and health history.