Adrenal Dysfunction: Tired of being tired?

What is HPA Axis Dysfunction (aka Adrenal Fatigue or Dysfunction?)

HPA Axis Dysfunction most commonly occurs because of chronic stress. The adrenal glands initially respond to stress by producing more stress hormones (cortisol and epinephrine) in order help the body respond to the immediate and acute stressor. However, when the stress does not resolve and becomes a chronic demand, the adrenal glands eventually start to "burn out," and become less active over time. A dampened adrenal glad function has great consequences on the body!

HPA Axis Dysfunction can cause our other hormones to become imbalanced, because the hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland not only act on every system in our body, but are the precursors to testosterone (which is the precursor to estrogen), progesterone, and DHEA. So, with low adrenal function we get low sex hormones as well!

HPA Axis Dysfunction also can lead to insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation, which can cause weight gain, hair loss, malnutrition, fatigue, dizziness, exercise intolerance, and more! Not to mention to risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

What are the symptoms of HPA Axis Dysfunction?

• "Feeling tired but wired."

• Chronic Fatigue

• Weight changes, usually weight gain

• Central obesity

• Body temperature dysregulation

• Poor quality sleep

• Poor immune functioning

• Brian fog, difficulty with concentration

• Anxiety, depression, poor mood control (irritability)

• Increased salt and sugar cravings

• Poor circulation

• Inflammation

• Changes in menstrual cycle

How to know if you have Adrenal Insufficiency?

The best way to assess for HPA Axis Dysfunction is to work with a provider that can order and interpret tests that assess your daily cortisol pattern. Serum cortisol testing is not usually an effective way to assess for adrenal function, because it does not assess the pattern of your cortisol release throughout the day, and often takes the extreme high or low to fall out of range. The best tests are saliva tests or dried urine testing.

How to address and treat Adrenal Insufficiency

1. Stress Management: Managing stress is said than done, I know. But here are a few places to start:

2. Sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of sleep is essential for those with Adrenal Dysfunction. Your adrenal glands will continue trying to overwork if you are not sleeping enough. If you have difficulty falling and staying asleep, consult with your provider to find the cause of this insomnia and get personalized advice on managing your sleeping patterns.

3. Nutrition:

4. Exercise: Exercise with HPA Axis Dysfunction can be tricky- the key is to move your body to promote circulation in the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, but not to over-stress the body until you have recovered. Movement such as walking, yoga, and light resistance training can be helpful. Moving your body in the mid-morning time can be supportive to recovery to promote a healthy daily cortisol pattern.

5. Supplements (as always, talk to your provider before starting supplements)

There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to HPA Axis Dysfunction. Taking a holistic approach means considering all factors that are contributing to the imbalance. Other key considerations are: gut health, immune function, history of trauma, and inflammation.

If you are concerned about your adrenal function, don't wait to get support! Schedule a free call with us today, and we can help you!