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Dr. Larry Ward, DC, ICCP, DNM, Nat., CPH, CNLP

Frequently Asked Questions

29 Years of Clinical Experience
This FAQ addresses common questions about cortisol, stress hormones, and the diurnal cortisol test. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your individual health concerns and before starting any new supplements or protocol.

About Dr. Ward & His Credentials

Dr. Ward’s credentials represent specialized training across multiple disciplines:

  • DC (Doctor of Chiropractic): Licensed chiropractic physician with diagnostic training in musculoskeletal and neuroendocrine health.
  • ICCP – Injectable Certified and Licensed Chiropractic Physician
  • DNM (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine): Training in botanical medicine, nutritional biochemistry, and natural health approaches.
  • Nat. (Naturopath): Board certification in naturopathic practice.
  • CHP – Certified Professional Hypnotist
  • CNLP (Certified Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner): Training in behavioral neuroscience and mind-body connection principles.
Dr. Ward has been in clinical practice for 29 years, working with patients presenting with various health concerns, including stress-related symptoms and metabolic health issues.
Dr. Ward’s approach integrates both conventional diagnostic methods (like the diurnal cortisol test, which is recognized by endocrinologists) with natural medicine practices. The information provided is educational and should complement, not replace, care from your primary healthcare provider.

Understanding Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress. Your body releases cortisol as part of the ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Under normal circumstances, cortisol follows a daily rhythm—higher in the morning and lower in the evening—which is called a diurnal pattern. This natural rhythm supports wakefulness during the day and sleep at night.
Yes. Cortisol is essential for life. It helps regulate blood sugar, supports immune function, and enables your body to respond to stress. The concern arises when cortisol levels remain elevated for prolonged periods or when the normal daily rhythm becomes disrupted.

Cortisol elevation or disruption can be associated with various factors:

  • Chronic psychological stress
  • Sleep deprivation or sleep disorders
  • Overtraining or overexertion
  • Circadian rhythm disruption (shift work, travel, irregular schedules)
  • Metabolic stress (blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation)
  • Certain medical conditions (consult your doctor for evaluation)

Some people with elevated or disrupted cortisol may experience:

  • Persistent fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory concerns
  • Mood changes, including anxiety or irritability
  • Changes in appetite or cravings
  • Difficulty losing weight despite effort
  • Low libido
  • Frequent illness or slow recovery from illness

These symptoms can have many causes. Please consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

A single cortisol measurement at one point in time may not capture your full cortisol pattern. A standard morning blood test shows only one ‘snapshot’ of cortisol. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether additional testing or evaluation is appropriate to assess your diurnal rhythm and overall health.

The Diurnal Cortisol Test

Cortisol naturally fluctuates throughout the day. A healthy pattern shows higher cortisol in the morning and progressively lower levels in the evening. A single measurement cannot show this pattern. Multiple measurements throughout the day provide more complete information about your cortisol rhythm.
Yes. Cortisol is essential for life. It helps regulate blood sugar, supports immune function, and enables your body to respond to stress. The concern arises when cortisol levels remain elevated for prolonged periods or when the normal daily rhythm becomes disrupted.
Saliva testing measures free cortisol (the portion of cortisol available to your body). Blood tests measure total cortisol, which includes bound cortisol. For assessing the active cortisol reaching your tissues, saliva collection is considered appropriate. Additionally, saliva can be collected at home at specific times of day, whereas blood draws are limited to office hours.
Yes. The diurnal salivary cortisol test is recognized by endocrinologists and medical organizations, including the Endocrine Society, as an appropriate screening or diagnostic tool for evaluating HPA axis function (the system controlling cortisol production). Your doctor can order this test if they believe it’s appropriate for your situation.
You have two options: (1) Visit drlarryward.com to learn more about ordering the diurnal cortisol test, or (2) Ask your healthcare provider if they can order a diurnal salivary cortisol test for you. Some functional medicine practitioners and naturopathic doctors also order this test.
The lab will provide reference ranges and compare your values to normal patterns. A healthy diurnal pattern typically shows higher cortisol upon waking, with gradual decline throughout the day. Your results may indicate whether your pattern is normal, elevated, flattened, or inverted (opposite of normal). Your healthcare provider is best positioned to explain what your individual results mean in context of your health.
Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and whether the test is ordered by your primary care physician or as part of a functional medicine consultation. Some insurance plans cover functional medicine testing; others may not. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or asking your healthcare provider about coverage before ordering.
An abnormal cortisol pattern warrants further discussion with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your individual situation, rule out medical conditions, and discuss appropriate management options—which may include lifestyle modifications, supplements, or other interventions depending on your specific needs.

General Health Support

Some herbs and nutrients are traditionally used to support stress response and healthy cortisol function. Examples include certain adaptogens and minerals. However, supplements should be chosen based on your individual needs, quality standards, and in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Not all supplements are appropriate for all people, and some may interact with medications.
Yes. Cortisol is essential for life. It helps regulate blood sugar, supports immune function, and enables your body to respond to stress. The concern arises when cortisol levels remain elevated for prolonged periods or when the normal daily rhythm becomes disrupted.
Before starting any new supplement, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Some supplements may interact with medications, and your doctor is best positioned to advise whether a particular supplement is safe for you based on your medications and health history.
The safety and appropriateness of long-term supplementation varies by individual and by supplement. Discuss any ongoing supplement use with your healthcare provider, who can monitor your health and adjust recommendations as needed.
Some botanical adaptogens have been studied for their potential to support stress response. Research quality varies, and not all adaptogens have the same level of evidence. Your healthcare provider can discuss which, if any, may be appropriate for your situation.

Supplements & Quality

Why is supplement quality important?
Supplements are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals. Product quality can vary significantly. Third-party testing helps verify that a supplement contains what the label says and is free from contaminants. When considering supplements, choosing products that have been independently tested and manufactured according to quality standards is a reasonable approach.
Our supplements are tested by third-party labs for potency, purity, and contamination. We maintain quality assurance standards in manufacturing and testing. Documentation is available upon request.
Store supplements in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Many supplements are sensitive to heat and humidity. Avoid bathrooms (due to moisture), hot cars, or windowsills. Proper storage helps maintain potency and shelf life.

There are a few ways to identify supplements that may be right for you:

  • Take the Cortisol Type Assessment: Visit drlarryward.com to complete our quick cortisol assessment. It takes just a few minutes and helps identify your unique cortisol pattern, so you’ll know exactly which supplements may be most supportive for your situation.
  • Explore our supplement bundles: We offer bundles specifically designed for different cortisol patterns and conditions. These bundles are thoughtfully curated and are currently offered at 10% off.
  • Consult your healthcare provider: You can also work with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can assess your individual needs and recommend supplements appropriate for you.

Purchasing & Policies

Supplements are consumable health products. Once opened, we cannot verify storage conditions, handling, or use, all of which affect potency and safety. For safety reasons, we do not accept returns on opened supplements. If you have concerns about a product you’ve purchased, please contact us to discuss your experience. We’re here to help.
We want you to be comfortable with your purchases. If you have questions about whether a supplement is the right fit for you, or if you have concerns after purchase, please reach out to us. We can discuss your experience and explore whether a different product might be more suitable. Contact details are available on our website.
For inquiries about bulk or wholesale pricing, please contact us directly. We work with practitioners, clinics, and organizations and can discuss options based on your needs.
We ship to select locations. Some supplements face regulatory restrictions internationally. Please contact us with your location to confirm what we can ship to you.

General Health Questions

Can I make cortisol changes while managing a stressful job?
Your ability to support healthy cortisol patterns while managing stress depends on whether you have adequate recovery time and support practices in place. How you recover from stress—through sleep, relaxation, and healthy practices—may be as important as the stress itself. Discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.
Yes, travel can disrupt circadian rhythm and cortisol patterns due to time zone changes, altered sleep schedules, and schedule disruption. If you travel frequently, discuss strategies for maintaining healthy sleep and stress management with your healthcare provider.
Do not stop or change medications without consulting your doctor. Lifestyle approaches and supplements can often complement medication treatment. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to advise on how to integrate additional health approaches with your current medications.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect stress response. Supporting healthy cortisol patterns may be beneficial during these transitions. Discuss your specific situation and any supplements with your healthcare provider, as some recommendations may differ based on your individual hormonal status.
Lifestyle practices like sleep, stress management, and movement are universally beneficial. If interested in supplementation, discuss with a healthcare provider, as dosing may differ for younger individuals. Chronic stress affects young people too, and supporting healthy stress response at any age is important.
Supplements are regulated differently than medications. They don’t undergo FDA approval like drugs do. However, manufacturers must follow Good Manufacturing Practice standards and ensure products are safe, properly labeled, and contain ingredients as stated. Third-party testing adds an additional layer of quality assurance.

Important Disclaimer

This website and FAQ provide educational information only and should not be considered medical advice. Information presented is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, health program, or making changes to your current medical treatment. Your healthcare provider knows your individual health history and is best positioned to provide personalized recommendations.

If you have questions about your health or concerns about cortisol and stress hormones, reach out to your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.