Adrenal/HPA Dysfunction
Your HPA axis – or your Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal glands- play a central role in your endocrine (hormone) system when it comes to regulating and reacting to your body’s stress levels. When they are functioning properly, you are able to effectively accommodate and react to the day-to-day stresses that you encounter
However, if your endocrine system is not functioning properly, it can affect your entire body negatively. Without proper regulation from your hormones, you may feel more prone to mood swings when stress levels mount.
HPA dysfunction is commonly caused by one or a combination of the following four issues:
1) Inflammation
2) Glucose Dysregulation
3) Sleep Disruption
4)Perceived Stress
Signs you have be having trouble with your HPA axis include:
1) Craving salty or sweet foods
2) Decreased ability to cope with stressful situations
3) Decreased energy
4) Low libido
5) Increased PMS/menopausal symptoms
6) Constipation
7) Weakened immune system
8) Disrupted sleep, or not feeling fully rested after a night of sleep
Many physicians will overlook the HPA axis and monitoring cortisol levels in favor of other diagnoses. However, at Healthy Connections, we are expertly-trained to notice signs of adrenal fatigue and HPA axis disruption, and we will order appropriate screening tests to uncover identifiable and treatable imbalances.
If you have been experiencing symptoms that may be connected with HPA dysfunction and are looking for answers, schedule an appointment with Healthy Connections today!
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