The DUTCH CAR is a saliva test that provides insight into adrenal function with details about a patient’s cortisol awakening response (CAR). The CAR acts as a mini-stress test by showing the rise and fall of cortisol immediately after waking. Cortisol’s rise in response to the stress of waking provides insights into hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function and its ability to respond appropriately to daily stressors. Along with the CAR, this test also shows the patient’s daily free cortisol and cortisone patterns. Cortisol should have a diurnal pattern that is highest in the morning and lowest at night before bedtime.
This test is recommended when you are looking for information about:
- HPA Axis function
- Cortisol awakening response
For all patients experiencing:
- Fatigue, especially on waking
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression or anxiety, especially on waking
- High stress lifestyle
This test kit does NOT include a consultation. If you would like to become a client and set up a consultation to review your results with a practitioner, please email our office at frontdesk@drkatrinackc.com