SUMMARY:

This kit includes:

• Easy-to-follow Directions and Requisition Form
• (5) Salivette™ Saliva Collection Tubes
• Resealable Plastic Bag
• Sealable Return Mailer (Domestic Only)

The results include:

• Your of cortisol awakening response (CAR) from cortisone (5) and cortisol (5)
• Graphical representation of results

View collection instructions and sample report here. 

WHO IS IT FOR?

If you experience adrenal fatigue during the day – such as an inability to “get going” in the morning, or an “afternoon slump” – or difficulty falling or staying asleep at night, the Dutch Cortisol Awakening Response Test (CAR) may be a perfect test for you. 

When we open our eyes upon waking, cortisol levels should naturally begin to rise by an average of 50%. 30 minutes after waking, cortisol levels will still show this sharp increase. By 60 minutes after waking, cortisol levels have peaked and begin to decline. Measuring this rise and fall of cortisol levels at waking can be used as a “mini stress test”. Research shows that the size of this increase correlates with HPA-axis function, even if the sample measurements are all within range. A quick saturation of saliva swabs upon waking, and at 30 and 60 minutes after waking, provide what is required to assess a patient’s Cortisol Awakening Response.

A low or blunted Cortisol Awakening Response can be a result of an underactive HPA axis, excessive psychological burnout, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep apnea or poor sleep in general, PTSD, chronic fatigue and/or chronic pain. A decreased CAR has also been associated with systemic hypertension, functional GI diseases, postpartum depression, and autoimmune diseases.

 On the other hand, an elevated Cortisol Awakening Response can be a result of an over-reactive HPA axis, ongoing job-related stress (anticipatory stress for the day), glycemic dysregulation, pain (i.e. waking with painful joints or a migraine), and general depression. A recent study showed that neither the waking nor post-waking cortisol results correlated to Major Depressive Disorder, but the CAR calculation (the change between the first two samples) did. This measurement of the response to waking has independent clinical value showing dysfunction that may be hidden by current testing options.

AFTER PURCHASE:

Upon purchasing the DUTCH CAR, we will mail you the kit. Be sure to read all instructions prior to use. 

Results are typically available about 3-4 weeks after completing the test. Results will be e-mailed to you upon receipt at our office. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

The purchase of this test does not include a functional wellness consultation with Dr. Nathan or Dr. Rebecca. To learn more about an initial consultation with Dr. Nathan, please visit his page here. To learn more about an initial consultation with Dr. Rebecca, please visit her page here.  

You are welcome to order this test without a consultation. If you choose this option, we will e-mail you the test results when we receive them. The purchase of the test itself does not include the doctor's interpretation of results. If you would like to receive the doctor’s written interpretation and supplement recommendations, without a consultation, you can add this to your purchase for $150.  

Refund policy: Once we have shipped your test kit, this purchase cannot be refunded.