Adrenal Function Assessment Panel

11-deoxycortisol is a precursor hormone in the pathway that produces cortisol, your body's main stress hormone. Elevated urinary 11-deoxycortisol levels typically indicate a deficiency in the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase, which converts this precursor into cortisol. This suggests congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder affecting steroid hormone production. The test is used to diagnose specific forms of CAH and monitor treatment effectiveness in affected individuals.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an androgen hormone produced by the adrenal glands. A 24-hour urine test measures total DHEA-S excretion, reflecting adrenal hormone production. DHEA-S levels naturally decline with age and can indicate adrenal insufficiency or dysfunction if abnormally low, or adrenal tumors or excess androgen production if abnormally high. This test helps evaluate adrenal gland function, hormonal imbalances, and conditions affecting hormone metabolism.

Urine cortisol measurement detects the presence of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This qualitative screening test is used to identify abnormal cortisol production, particularly in suspected Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol). Cortisol regulates blood pressure, glucose, and immune function, so abnormal levels can cause significant health effects. 24-hour urine cortisol is often ordered to confirm results from other cortisol tests.

This specialized test evaluates how well your adrenal glands respond to stimulation. ACTH is a hormone that signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, which is essential for stress response and metabolism. In this test, a corticosteroid is injected intramuscularly to stimulate cortisol production, and blood samples are collected to measure the response. An inadequate cortisol response may indicate adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol. This test helps diagnose adrenal disorders affecting energy, blood pressure, and overall health.

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands that follows a daily rhythm, typically highest in early morning and lowest at night. A baseline (morning) cortisol test measures cortisol level at a specific time to assess adrenal function. Low baseline cortisol suggests adrenal insufficiency, causing fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure. High baseline cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome, causing weight gain, muscle weakness, and mood changes. This test is often the first step in evaluating adrenal disorders and is part of broader testing protocols that include dynamic suppression tests for diagnosis.