Stress Adaptation

The human body has a built-in system for responding to and combating stress called the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) Axis. When the body perceives a threat or stressor it sends a signal to our brain. Our brain then relays that signal through the hypothalamus to our pituitary gland and then ultimately to our adrenal glands. Our adrenal glands then produce a wide range of different hormones that in turn produce a wide range of different effects on the body, such as increased cortisol, increased blood sugar, increased adrenaline, decreased digestion, increased heart rate, and more…all with the intent to help the body eliminate the stress it’s coming in contact with. This is known as the fight or flight response – which is a helpful and adaptive response in certain situations and designed to be a short-term response. But when we experience chronic stress (caused by a variety of factors, such as work-related stress, financial difficulties, or personal relationships) we can find ourselves “stuck” in a state of fight or flight, with a constant sense of vigilance and anxiety. Continually sending the same stress response signals to the brain and the adrenals eventually leads to burnout.

This prolonged activation of the HPA axis can result in dysregulation of cortisol production and contribute to a range of health problems, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, autoimmune disorders, exhaustion, low energy, and cognitive function. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining quality of life. The stress-response system affects every aspect of your life. 

We offer neuroendocrine diagnostic testing designed to assess the function of the HPA axis and identify any imbalances or dysregulation that may be contributing to health issues such as chronic stress, fatigue, or mood disorders. The testing involves measuring levels of cortisol and other hormones in the body, as well as assessing other factors such as neurotransmitter function. This allows us to create personalized treatment plans that may include dietary and lifestyle changes, targeted nutrient supplementation, or other interventions aimed at supporting optimal HPA axis function and overall health.