Skip to main content

Adrenal Stress Markers

Meaning

Adrenal Stress Markers are specific biochemical substances, primarily hormones and their metabolites, utilized in clinical practice to quantify the physiological impact of chronic or acute stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Key markers often include cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and their respective ratios, which collectively provide a detailed picture of adrenal gland function. Evaluating these markers allows clinicians to assess the body’s adaptive capacity and identify patterns of adrenal fatigue or hyperactivity. The analysis moves beyond simple single-point measurements to capture the dynamic interplay of stress response hormones over time.