What are Chronic Stress biomarkers

Chronic stress biomarkers are measurable signals in blood that show how persistently your body’s stress systems are switched on. They reflect the two main circuits that drive the stress response: the brain–adrenal hormone pathway (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal, or HPA axis) and the nerve–adrenal surge system (sympathetic–adrenal–medullary). Hormones like cortisol and its adrenal counterbalance DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) indicate how much the body is prioritizing survival mode over restoration. Adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine, norepinephrine) and related metabolites point to ongoing “fight‑or‑flight” signaling. Immune and liver-derived proteins, such as inflammatory cytokines and C‑reactive protein (CRP), reveal whether stress is pushing the immune system toward a low‑grade, smoldering state. Metabolic markers, including glucose and insulin, show the cost of chronic fuel mobilization. Together, these biomarkers translate vague symptoms—fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, irritability—into a readable map of stress biology. Testing helps identify which pathways are most engaged, provides a baseline for change, and allows you and your clinician to track whether lifestyle or therapeutic steps are moving your physiology back toward balance.

Why is blood testing for Chronic Stress important?

• See your stress response and inflammation in one snapshot using cortisol, DHEA-S, hs-CRP.
• Spot cortisol imbalance driving fatigue, sleep disruption, weight gain, or anxiety.
• Clarify adrenal output with DHEA-S, which can counterbalance cortisol under stress.
• Protect fertility by flagging androgen excess from high DHEA-S that disrupts ovulation.
• Support pregnancy planning by detecting inflammation or adrenal issues needing early management.
• Gauge hidden inflammation with hs-CRP to refine cardiovascular and metabolic risk.
• Guide tailored recovery—sleep, exercise dosing, nutrition, therapy, or medications—based on patterns.
• Track trends; draw cortisol early morning and repeat hs-CRP if above 10 mg/L.

What insights will I get?

Chronic stress blood testing provides a window into how your body manages and adapts to ongoing demands. At a systems level, chronic stress can disrupt energy balance, metabolism, cardiovascular function, cognitive performance, reproductive health, and immune resilience. At Superpower, we assess three key biomarkers—Cortisol, DHEAS, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)—to map your body’s stress response and its broader physiological impact.

Cortisol is the primary hormone released during stress, orchestrating energy mobilization and alertness. DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a hormone that counterbalances some effects of cortisol and supports tissue repair, immune function, and mood. hs-CRP is a sensitive marker of inflammation, reflecting how stress may be influencing immune activity and tissue health. Together, these markers reveal the interplay between your stress response system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), hormone balance, and inflammation.

Balanced cortisol and DHEAS levels suggest your body is maintaining stability (homeostasis) under stress, supporting healthy function across multiple systems. Persistent elevation or suppression of cortisol, low DHEAS, or increased hs-CRP may indicate that chronic stress is straining your body’s adaptive capacity, potentially affecting energy, immunity, and long-term health.

Interpretation of these biomarkers depends on context. Age, sex, pregnancy, acute illness, medications (such as steroids or hormone therapy), and even the time of day can influence results. Laboratory methods and reference ranges also vary, so results are best understood within your personal and clinical context.