Cortisol Reset FAQs
How does your Cortisol Reset Plan work?
- Reveal: You complete a diurnal salivary cortisol test to assess your daily cortisol pattern.
- Reset: Based on your results, we assign you a personalized cortisol profile (such as high, low, or dysregulated cortisol patterns). You receive targeted supplement recommendations and lifestyle guidance designed to help normalize your cortisol rhythm.
- Restore: After 100 days, we retest cortisol levels to track progress and fine-tune your plan if needed.
What is the clinical-grade test that is included?
The 4-point cortisol test is the gold standard in medicine for measuring the adrenal response to chronic stress. The cortisol hormone, when tracked throughout the day, indicates how your body is uniquely responding to the chronic stress in your life.
It will assess your baseline cortisol levels throughout the day.
We combine your unique hormone test results with a personal Lifestyle Assessment to get the most accurate indicators of your cortisol health.
What will the test tell me?
This test is specific to measuring stress profiles. Our bodies can give us signals for when the foundation is starting to crack, even if we are still doing all the things. The signals can let us know whether we need a little or a lot of nutritive support - and when.
Why does it take 100 days to reset my cortisol?
Hormones work in cycles, not overnight switches. It takes time for hormone signaling, receptor sensitivity, and brain-adrenal feedback loops to recalibrate. Over roughly 90 days, cells turn over, gene expression shifts, and daily hormone rhythms - like cortisol’s natural rise and fall - can stabilize. This is why most hormone protocols use a 90-100 day window: it reflects real, lasting physiological change rather than short-term fluctuation.
Why do you test with saliva vs. blood or urine?
Hormones are everywhere, including your blood, urine, and saliva. In each body fluid the measurement gives us different information. The advantage of using saliva for measuring cortisol is three-fold.
- One: Cortisol is one of the body’s biomarkers that is reliably and accurately measurable through saliva.
- Two: Measuring cortisol in the morning in the privacy and routine of your day is the most accurate representation of what your body’s natural production of cortisol is, compared to after you haul yourself to a lab visit full of bright lights and needle pricks.
- Three: Saliva measures the unbound hormone, meaning it’s the amount of cortisol that is actively available for doing its job.
Note: Blood-based cortisol tests can only highlight when there is an extreme excess or deficiency.
Does it matter what day of my cycle I’m on?
No! Any day is a good day!
Our Lifestyle assessment does ask which day of your cycle you took the test. This helps us assess certain factors that could affect your overall assessment - hello personalized care! If you don’t have an ovulatory cycle, or you are using hormones, no problem! Just let us know during your Lifestyle Assessment. Context is everything.
Does it matter if I’m on birth control?
No, but it is important to let us know what you are taking. Generally birth control will, as intended, affect your hormones, but if that is your everyday state, it is still valuable to understand how your cortisol is doing in response to birth control.
Does it matter if I’m doing IVF?
No. The Cortisol Reset Plan will help you measure and respond to the state of your stress response.
Can I join the Cortisol Reset Plan if I’m on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Generally yes, but it is important to let us know what you are taking. Depending on which HRT you are taking, it could influence your results. If you are taking bio-identical progesterone**, it will influence your results. But if it is a regular medication and is part of your baseline, the Cortisol Reset will help you understand how your cortisol reserve is doing and how best to support it.
**different from the progestins in birth control.
Are your tests reviewed by doctors?
Each and every result is reviewed by a team of physicians to catch anything that would require follow-up with your PCP.
Supplement FAQs
What makes hey freya supplements different?
We take pride in offering naturopathic-grade supplements, which means complex blends of nutrients and herbs dosed safely and appropriately with purity and potency as our standards. Other supplement companies tend to use fewer ingredients, or miniscule amounts just to say they’ve included certain ingredients. EVERY single ingredient has been thoughtfully selected, dosed and blended, with both potency and efficiency (aka your busy life!) in mind.
What is the difference between Thrive and a multi-vitamin?
Thrive IS a multi-vitamin! But that’s not all. It is a 5-in-1 supplement. Our medical team sees all too often, women are given too many bottles to handle the same issues over and over. Thrive has all the vitamins and minerals you actually need for skin, hair, immune, thyroid, brain, and heart health (and no fillers)! On top of that, it includes potent herbs for adrenal fatigue, and vegan omega-3s. If you are taking a multi-vitamin, Thrive can be your high-quality replacement plus all the rest!
Can I take my current multi-vitamin together with hey freya supplements?
For safety, we suggest that taking Thrive alongside your multi-vitamin could potentially lead to having an excess of some vitamins and minerals. If you are on a current multi-vitamin or other regime that you have been recommended by your physician and would like to take Thrive as well, we recommend consulting them first.
Can I take these supplements while pregnant or nursing?
We currently have one formula that is dosed properly for all women, including folks who are pregnant or nursing: Quench. If pregnant or nursing, we advise that you check in with a practitioner who knows your situation before starting any new routines.
Do I have to take hey freya supplements on an empty stomach?
No! In fact, some folks prefer to take our formulations with food, because potent herbs and minerals can occasionally feel strange in the stomach. However, you do not have to take them with food. You do you.
Why do I have to take Thrive before 4pm?
We suggest that you take your Thrive capsules at least 8-12 hours before your regular bedtime to avoid restless sleep. This suggestion is important as the clinical dosing is strong and avoiding adrenal herbs late in your day will better regulate the circadian rhythm.
Why do you suggest taking Rest 30 minutes before bed?
The herbs and nutrients in Rest take 30 minutes to take effect.
What else should I know about your supplements?
All of our supplements are proudly manufactured in the USA, with intentional sourcing of local and global ingredients. We are proud to be completely and absolutely allergen-free (including the top 12 recorded allergens in the US). Our ingredients are third-party tested before we even consider putting them in our products. Check out our Never-Ever List.
What are your capsules made out of?
Our capsules are made out of cellulose and are vegan (not made of gelatin).
How do I know these actually work?
Our medical team has worked with hundreds of patients and seen these combinations in action. Every ingredient is tirelessly and continuously researched for evidence of benefit in women’s health and we share those databases publicly. That way, not only do we have clinical guidance to support us, but we also have external proof.
I’m undergoing fertility treatment. Can I take hey freya products?
Every person’s fertility treatment is unique. While many of our products may be helpful for fertility in general, your physician may advise against taking anything other than a healthy dose of hydration. In that case, Quench is a scientifically balanced and anti-oxidant packed electrolyte to optimize daily hydration!