The CEO cortisol audit is a 90-day functional medicine protocol targeting the HPA-axis dysregulation that defines executive burnout. Most corporate wellness programs measure steps and weight. This measures what actually drives CEO health cortisol rhythm HRV sleep architecture and metabolic recovery.
Why CEOs Need a Cortisol Audit
CEOs run on stress. Chronically elevated cortisol becomes the default state. The problem is that cortisol dysregulation drives every downstream health marker blood pressure blood sugar inflammation lean-mass loss cognitive decline and decision-making quality.
A cortisol audit is not a diagnosis. It is a measurement of the HPA-axis baseline and a protocol to restore rhythm and resilience.
The Four-Marker Baseline
Marker 1 4-Point Cortisol Rhythm: Saliva sample at wake time 11 AM 4 PM bedtime. Healthy pattern high at wake declining through day low at bed. Dysregulated patterns flat elevated inverted or erratic. This is the single most diagnostic marker for burnout.
Marker 2 DHEA-S: Morning serum. The resilience hormone. High cortisol chronically suppresses DHEA. Low DHEA plus high cortisol is the burnout signature.
Marker 3 HRV Heart Rate Variability: SDNN and RMSSD via Oura Whoop or clinical measurement. Low HRV under chronic stress. Improving HRV is the objective measure of HPA-axis recovery.
Marker 4 Sleep Architecture: Via wearable or sleep study. REM and deep sleep fragmentation under stress. Restored sleep architecture is the lagging indicator that everything is working.
The 90-Day Reset
Phase 1 Foundation (Weeks 1-4): Sleep optimization consistent 10 PM bed 6 AM wake dark room 65 degrees. Magnesium glycinate 500 mg bedtime. Adaptogenic herbs Rhodiola Ashwagandha pattern-matched. Acupuncture 1x/week HT7 PC6 LV3 for nervous-system regulation.
Phase 2 Metabolic Recovery (Weeks 5-8): Resistance training 3x per week 30 minutes strength focused not cardio. Intermittent fasting optional 14-16 hour window if tolerated. Reduce refined carbs especially evening. Continued acupuncture 1x/week. Mid-protocol labs week 8 retest 4-point cortisol and DHEA-S.
Phase 3 Rhythm Consolidation (Weeks 9-12): Cold exposure 60-second face immersion or cool shower post-workout. Heat exposure sauna 2x per week 15-20 minutes. Hypnotherapy or meditation 10 minutes daily for parasympathetic baseline shift. Final labs week 12 full cortisol panel DHEA-S HRV.
Expected Outcomes
4-point cortisol normalized by week 8. DHEA-S rising by week 6. HRV improvement by week 4. Sleep architecture consolidated by week 12. Decision-making clarity and sustained energy by week 10.
Conclusion
A CEO cortisol audit is measurement-based burnout recovery. Baseline labs week one. Protocol execution weeks 1-12. Re-test week 12. Know your numbers. Restore your rhythm.
Work with Dr. Bright
Root-cause care combining Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern diagnosis with functional medicine testing — in person at the Tustin clinic or by virtual visit. Book a consultation.
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