VEI Check · Cortisol Rhythm

For a body that tires easily,
checking the stress hormone rhythm

When you have lasting fatigue, a sense of struggling with stress, or sleep that does not leave you refreshed, we check the release and daily rhythm of cortisol, the stress hormone. This is often described as adrenal fatigue, but that is not an official diagnosis, and VEI Clinic uses evidence-based hormone tests while also looking at other causes of similar symptoms.

VEI Clinic, Gangnam — VEI Check · Cortisol Rhythm

Who This Is For

People with lasting fatigue plus lightheadedness on standing, salt cravings or digestive discomfort
People whose sleep and stress rhythms are disrupted by shift work or caring for young children
People who bruise easily, gain weight mainly around the abdomen, or have red stretch marks or weakness in the arms and legs
People with a history of autoimmune disease or long-term steroid use
People who need to pace their activity while recovering from illness

What We Test

The specialist chooses the items you need based on your symptoms, medications and any warning signs.

Morning (8 to 9 a.m.) blood cortisol, with ACTH when needed
When needed, a stimulation or suppression test that looks at cortisol response
Four-point salivary cortisol (selected cases): supporting information on the daily rhythm
DHEA-S (when needed)
Electrolytes (sodium and potassium), fasting glucose, HbA1c
Checks for other causes of similar symptoms: thyroid function, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate, vitamin D, CRP, sleep and mood questionnaires, medication review

Before Your Test

Cortisol tests often need to be done between 8 and 9 a.m.
Tell us about any steroids (pills, inhalers, creams or injections), DHEA and hormonal medications, including birth control
If you take high-dose biotin, we may suggest pausing it for 48 to 72 hours
Keep caffeine and exercise as usual, but avoid intense workouts just before the test
For saliva collection, avoid food and drinks (except water), brushing, flossing, gum and smoking for 30 minutes beforehand

Visit Flow

Routine blood tests usually take 1 to 3 business days, and the daily salivary cortisol curve takes about 3 to 7 days. Stimulation and suppression tests are scheduled separately.

Consultation: we review your symptoms, sleep and work schedule, medications and supplements, and any warning signs
Test selection: we choose blood tests and, when needed, saliva tests
Testing is done by blood draw at the clinic or with a timed saliva collection kit
We explain the results and outline the next steps for your care
This leads to guidance on sleep, activity pacing, nutrition and stress management, with referral to endocrine specialist care when needed

Precautions

In an emergency, such as severe dehydration, collapse or a high fever with confusion, call 119 or go to an emergency room
If you are using steroids, results may be hard to interpret, so we discuss the timing of the test
If you are acutely and seriously ill, we test after you are stable

How VEI Clinic Works

The purpose of this test is to confirm or rule out a real hormone problem and to find factors that can be managed, such as thyroid, iron, sleep and medications. Based on the results, we build a realistic plan together for pacing sleep and activity.

The causes of fatigue and how to manage them can vary from person to person, and the specialist decides after your consultation whether further care or medication changes are needed.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I be diagnosed with adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is not an official diagnosis. Instead, we check cortisol release and its daily rhythm, and look at whether other causes are behind similar symptoms.

Can a saliva test alone give me an answer?

Salivary cortisol is supporting information about the daily rhythm. When needed, it is read together with blood tests, and the specialist interprets them as a whole.

I use steroid medication. Can I still be tested?

Steroids can affect the results, so we discuss test timing separately. Do not stop any medication on your own, and tell us about it at your consultation.

Do I have to come in the morning?

Blood cortisol is often measured between 8 and 9 a.m., so we recommend a morning appointment. We will guide you when you book, depending on the tests.