Thorne Stress Test – Comprehensive At-Home Stress and Cortisol Testing

Introduction to the Thorne Stress Test

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic or poorly managed, it can negatively impact health, energy, mood, sleep, and overall well-being. The Thorne Stress Test is a convenient, at-home lab test designed to measure how your body responds to stress by evaluating your cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day. With this test, you can gain personalized insights into your stress response system and take actionable steps toward better balance, improved resilience, and healthier living.

Whether you struggle with fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, weight management challenges, or simply want to understand how stress affects your body, the Thorne Stress Test provides science-backed data you can trust.

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What is the Thorne Stress Test?

The Thorne Stress Test is a non-invasive saliva test that measures your body’s natural production of cortisol (the primary stress hormone) and DHEA (a hormone that helps balance cortisol and supports adrenal health). Unlike a single snapshot blood test, this test tracks your hormone patterns across different times of the day, giving you a complete picture of your stress response system, also known as the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis.

By analyzing fluctuations in cortisol and DHEA, the Thorne Stress Test helps identify whether your body is experiencing:

• Normal stress response

• Elevated cortisol (hyperactive stress response)

• Blunted cortisol (adrenal fatigue or burnout)

• Hormonal imbalance affecting mood, sleep, or metabolism

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Key Benefits of the Thorne Stress Test

1. Gain Clarity on Your Stress Response

Understand how your body reacts to daily stressors and identify whether your adrenal function is overactive, underactive, or well-balanced.

2. Personalized Health Insights

Instead of guessing, you’ll receive a comprehensive report that provides actionable recommendations tailored to your results.

3. Support Better Sleep and Energy

Cortisol plays a critical role in your sleep-wake cycle. Abnormal levels can cause insomnia or daytime fatigue. This test reveals whether stress hormones are disrupting your rest.

4. Understand Hormonal Balance

By measuring both cortisol and DHEA, the test uncovers how well your adrenal glands are working and whether chronic stress is affecting long-term health.

5. Convenient At-Home Collection

The saliva-based test is non-invasive, simple, and can be done from the comfort of your home without needles or clinic visits.

6. Data-Driven Wellness Planning

Your test results can guide lifestyle changes, nutritional support, or supplementation strategies to restore balance and resilience.

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Who Should Take the Thorne Stress Test?

This test is recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms or conditions that may be related to stress hormone imbalances. You may benefit from the Thorne Stress Test if you:

• Feel fatigued despite adequate rest

• Struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep

• Experience frequent anxiety, irritability, or mood swings

• Have difficulty managing daily stress

• Notice weight gain, especially around the midsection

• Experience brain fog, poor memory, or lack of focus

• Suspect adrenal fatigue or burnout

• Want to improve athletic performance and recovery

• Simply wish to optimize health and wellness through better stress management

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How the Thorne Stress Test Works

Step 1: Order Your Test Kit

Purchase the Thorne Stress Test online, and your kit will be shipped directly to your home.

Step 2: Collect Saliva Samples

Follow the instructions to collect multiple saliva samples at different times of the day. This step is crucial because cortisol naturally fluctuates throughout the day.

Step 3: Send Samples to the Lab

Use the prepaid shipping materials included in your kit to send your samples to Thorne’s certified lab.

Step 4: Receive Detailed Results

You’ll receive a comprehensive, easy-to-read lab report that outlines your cortisol and DHEA levels, explains what they mean, and provides personalized recommendations.

Step 5: Take Action with Confidence

Use the insights to adjust lifestyle habits, manage stress more effectively, and consider targeted supplementation to support adrenal health and overall balance.

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Why Cortisol and DHEA Matter

Cortisol – The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a key role in:

• Regulating your sleep-wake cycle

• Managing blood sugar levels

• Supporting metabolism

• Controlling inflammation

• Helping the body respond to stress

While short-term cortisol spikes are natural and protective, chronic stress can lead to consistently high or low cortisol, which may contribute to anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, and poor immune function.

DHEA – The Balancing Hormone

DHEA is another hormone made by the adrenal glands. It acts as a counterbalance to cortisol and supports:

• Mood stability

• Immune system function

• Energy and resilience

• Healthy aging and longevity

Measuring both cortisol and DHEA provides a complete picture of adrenal health and helps identify whether your stress response is balanced or needs support.

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What Makes the Thorne Stress Test Unique?

1. Comprehensive Measurement – Tracks cortisol fluctuations throughout the day for a more accurate picture.

2. Dual Hormone Analysis – Evaluates both cortisol and DHEA for better insights into adrenal balance.

3. At-Home Convenience – Non-invasive saliva collection makes it easy and stress-free.

4. Trusted by Health Professionals – Thorne is a leader in health testing and nutritional science.

5. Actionable Results – Provides recommendations you can implement right away.

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Interpreting Your Thorne Stress Test Results

Your test report will categorize results into ranges and explain what they mean. For example:

• Normal Cortisol Curve – Balanced stress response and healthy adrenal function.

• Elevated Cortisol – Suggests ongoing stress, anxiety, or overstimulation of the adrenal glands.

• Low Cortisol (Adrenal Fatigue) – May indicate burnout, exhaustion, or impaired adrenal output.

• Low DHEA – Potential sign of hormonal imbalance, low resilience, or premature aging.

• High DHEA with Low Cortisol – Possible dysregulation requiring deeper lifestyle or medical evaluation.

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How to Improve Stress Response After Testing

Once you receive your results, you can take steps toward better balance. Strategies may include:

• Lifestyle Adjustments – Prioritize sleep, adopt stress management techniques (yoga, meditation, breathwork), and improve work-life balance.

• Nutrition Support – Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, reduce processed sugar, and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

• Exercise Optimization – Engage in regular physical activity without overtraining.

• Targeted Supplements – Depending on your results, adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola), magnesium, or B vitamins may support adrenal health.

• Professional Guidance – Share results with a healthcare provider for deeper evaluation if necessary.

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Why Choose Thorne for Stress Testing?

• Science-Backed: Thorne partners with Mayo Clinic and other leading research institutions.

• Reputation for Quality: Trusted by healthcare professionals, athletes, and wellness experts.

• Privacy and Convenience: Results are confidential and delivered securely.

• Holistic Health Solutions: Thorne provides not only testing but also supplements and health programs to support your journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the Thorne Stress Test accurate?
Yes. The test is processed in CLIA-certified labs, ensuring reliable, clinically validated results.

Q2: How long does it take to get results?
Typically, results are available within 2–3 weeks after the lab receives your samples.

Q3: Can I do the test if I’m on medication?
Certain medications may affect cortisol and DHEA levels. Always check with your healthcare provider before testing.

Q4: How often should I take the Thorne Stress Test?
Most people benefit from testing once or twice per year, especially if making lifestyle changes or managing stress-related conditions.

Q5: Will I need a doctor to interpret my results?
While the report is easy to understand, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide additional context and personalized guidance.

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Product Details

• Product Name: Thorne Stress Test

• Test Type: At-home saliva collection kit

• Analytes Measured: Cortisol (multiple time points), DHEA

• Collection Method: Saliva samples

• Result Turnaround: 2–3 weeks

• Report Format: Digital, easy-to-read with recommendations

• Certification: CLIA-certified laboratory