Hormones
Cortisol (4-point salivary)
Unit: μg/dLID: H007
What This Test Measures
Cortisol rhythm over the day; HPA axis function
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
Morning high, evening low (see reference) μg/dLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
Healthy diurnal curve: high AM, low PM μg/dLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
4-point salivary cortisol (morning, noon, evening, night) shows your cortisol RHYTHM. Healthy = high morning, low night. Flattened curve or reversed rhythm = HPA axis dysfunction ("adrenal fatigue"). This is FAR more useful than single AM cortisol for assessing chronic stress.
When This Test Is High
Flattened curve = HPA dysfunction, chronic stress
When This Test Is Low
Healthy diurnal pattern = good stress resilience
Related Conditions
Adrenal fatigue, chronic stress, insomnia, burnout
Recommended Follow-Up
If abnormal pattern, prioritize sleep, stress management, adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)