HPA Axis Dysfunction
In the intricate web of our body’s hormonal system lies a crucial regulator known as the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis. This axis plays a pivotal role in how we respond to stress, regulate mood, and maintain overall health. However, when the HPA axis becomes dysregulated, it can lead to a cascade of symptoms and health issues. Let’s delve into what HPA axis dysfunction entails, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be managed effectively.
So what is the HPA axis? The HPA axis is a complex interplay between three major glands, the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus is located in the brain, it releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in response to stress. The pituitary gland, also in the brain, secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to CRH. The adrenal glands situated atop the kidneys, produce cortisol and other hormones in response to ACTH.
When everything is running smoothly, a person experiences a stressful situation which triggers the HPA axis, with an end result of cortisol secretion. That, in turn, releases glucose into the bloodstream for quick energy.
Problems arise when we start to live out of balance. If we start spiking the stress response without enough recovery, or we just have chronic stress, HPA dysfun.ction sets in. In a sense, we become cortisol resistant. Do you have difficulty falling asleep? Cortisol is the hormone that starts off our day and should decline at night (opposite of melatonin). If you have difficulty falling asleep, this may be a sign of HPA dysfunction. See below:
And the corresponding podcast:
When we say stress, we don’t just mean perceived stress, although that plays a crucial role. There are many forms of stress, and it can be helpful to categorize it into two categories; eustress and distress. Eustress is the ‘good’ stress. It’s the right amount of stress that we can recover from and come back stronger. Exercise is a form of eustress. The right amount of sun exposure is a form of eustress. Distress is a level of stress that we don’t respond well to; it’s too much. Something bad happens before we recover. A muscle tears, you get sick, or in the example of sun exposure, you get a bad sunburn. This is important to keep in mind because many of us try to mitigate stress with more stress, when sometimes we need the opposite.
Some stressors that you may not consider, but certainly are, stressors:
Blood sugar dysregulation
Autoimmune disease
Chronic inflammation
Dehydration
Nutrient deficiency
Poor sleep (this is a big one)
Environmental exposures such as mold and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as plastics
Dental amalgams
The body can only take so much stress, and when that overflows, symptoms develop. Then there tends to be a bit of a downward spiral. For example, chronic inflammation can trigger HPA axis dysfunction, and vice versa. So it becomes compounding.
Managing HPA axis dysfunction can be tricky. It’s all about eliminating the stressors you have control over, and mitigating the ones you don’t. This is a challenging process, but the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a free call with us and we can help you sort this out.