Adrenal Fatigue and HPA Axis Dysfunction
The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) is a part of our bodies' endocrine system. This is the mechanism that sends signals back and forth throughout the body when we secrete hormones. When we are exposed to stressful situations, the axis initiates a chain of events that inevitably results in the production of cortisol, an endocrine steroid hormone known as our "stress hormone."
Cortisol is known for putting our bodies into a "fight or flight" state, which inhibits some system functions while secreting an abundant amount of glucose.
"You should know, however, that the HPA axis operates in a "feedback loop." If the hypothalamus and endocrine system detect that enough cortisol has been produced, they will close the axis to keep the system from flooding, allowing the body to return to normal."
When there is chronic stress, the HPA axis can become dysfunctional. This means that all hormones, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, will continue to be produced on a near-constant basis. In worst cases, if this issue is not addressed, the HPA region may lose its ability to recognize signals urging it to shut down. This is cause to aggravate adrenal fatigue/insufficiency.
Adrenal Fatigue: How it Affects the Human Body
When the aforementioned occurs, we refer to it as "adrenal fatigue." This stress-related illness is quite common throughout the United States, and it has recently become one of the most prominent diagnoses in the functional medicine field. Although it is referred to as adrenal fatigue , the adrenal glands are only a part of the problem. Attempts by doctors to cure the entire HPA axis is frequently subject to failure.
To make matters even more complicated, HPA dysfunction manifests itself in a wide range of symptoms that are difficult to define, including:
- Fatigue
- Trouble waking up
- Insomnia
- Thyroid disorders
- Problems with blood pressure
- Inflammation
- Dizziness
- Blood circulation issues
- Immune-system illnesses
- Blood sugar level imbalances
- Abdominal fat accumulation
- Inability to cope with stress
- Brain fog
- Parched skin
- Salty food cravings
- Slow Libido
- Muscle pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
- Depression
The Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
Many of us underestimate the role of cortisol in our overall health. Too much of anything, too frequently, can not only disrupt our HPA axis but also cause cellular problems. When high levels of cortisol are combined with low levels of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone that the body naturally produces in the adrenal gland), a syndrome known as Chronic Stress Response develops. This occurs when our body's ability to tune a wide range of activities is compromised, resulting in serious metabolic, immunological, and hormonal issues. Adrenal fatigue, like many other illnesses, has multiple stages.
Stage 1
In the early stage of adrenal fatigue, cortisol levels rise while DHEA and its metabolites decline, resulting in an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen levels.
Stage 2
DHEA levels drop even further as a result of continuously elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol production eventually declines as well.
Stage 3
As the disease progresses, overall cortisol and DHEA release are lowered even further, and high amounts of ACTH (the hormone made by the pituitary gland) are substituted.
Internal Healing & Wellness Holistic
We help clients from The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and other Houston suburbs recognize and treat their Adrenal Fatigue at Internal Healing and Wellness MD. We can now diagnose the illness using basic saliva and urine testing, as well as monitoring the patient's neurotransmitters, thanks to contemporary technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
The symptoms of HPA Axis Dysfunction can include fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight gain, and digestive Health issues.
HPA Axis Dysfunction can be caused by chronic stress, trauma, infections, inflammation, or other factors that disrupt the HPA axis.
Treatment options for HPA Axis Dysfunction can include lifestyle changes to reduce stress, nutritional support, supplements, and medications as needed.
While HPA Axis Dysfunction may not be fully curable, it can be managed and symptoms can be improved with proper treatment and management.
Supplements that can be taken to support HPA Axis Dysfunction Diet include adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics.
HPA Axis Dysfunction can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, but it is not typically life-threatening.
HPA Axis Dysfunction is often referred to as adrenal fatigue, but this term is controversial and not recognized by mainstream medicine. Instead, HPA Axis Dysfunction is a more accurate term to describe the dysregulation of the HPA axis.
HPA Axis Dysfunction Diet can help with adrenal fatigue by reducing stress on the body, providing the nutrients needed for adrenal gland function, and reducing inflammation that can contribute to HPA Axis Dysfunction.
HPA Axis Dysfunction can increase the risk of other health problems, such as autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease, if left untreated.
While HPA Axis Dysfunction Diet may not cure adrenal fatigue, it can help manage symptoms and improve adrenal gland function when combined with other lifestyle changes and medical treatments as needed.
Results from the HPA Axis Dysfunction Diet can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. Some people may see improvements within a few weeks, while others may take several months.
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