HPA Axis 101
The HPA (hypothalamus- pituitary- adrenal) axis is probably a phrase you’ve heard of or read about. But what is it, what does it do, and what happens when it can’t do it’s job?
What does the HPA Axis do?
The HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal complex) axis is a really important hormonal response system that regulates cortisol AKA the stress hormone in the body. When your brain experiences a stressor, it is processed in the hypothalamus and prompts the pituitary gland to send out a neurotransmitter to your adrenal glands to influence the secretion of cortisol.
Cortisol has a full body response in that it impacts blood sugar balance and thus can interact with metabolism, thyroid function, gut function, ovarian function, and the fertility pathway. It is an essential hormone but you want it in the right amount at the right time.
If you have a healthy HPA axis, your body will activate it when you experience acute stress. Cortisol will increase and fight or flight will be triggered. Once the stressor has passed, levels will return to normal within 20-30 minutes. But if the stressor is chronic, the HPA axis stays activated for a sustained period of time. Cortisol can’t keep up with the demand and that causes hormone levels to be too high or too low.
When the HPA Axis can’t keep up
I know so many of us have heard of adrenal fatigue as a “wellness term” when you are chronically stressed or burned out and experience fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, nausea, low appetite, and trouble sleeping. But adrenal fatigue is not actually a real diagnosis! What people are describing is HPA axis dysfunction as a result of the sustained activation disrupting the bodies ability to regulate the right amount of cortisol.
Studies show that cortisol can interact with the brain's reward system and influence a person's cognitive processes. So your outlook on life, your ability to feel like you have ownership in your life, is affected. We see that this system can also influence habit-based learning so if you're constantly in fight-or-flight you're constantly in a hyper-vigilant state it really does impact that connection that relationship with your with your body and how you relate to your body.
HPA Axis dysfunction impacts your body's ability to respond to stress so what we need to do is retrain your body in order to calm the eff down and nourish your body so that it feels safe. Check out my next post for nutrition and self care tips on how to do this!
If you suffer from debilitating stress, I SEE you. I've been in your shoes too. If you're ready to heal from chronic stress, join my online program. This program is tailored to address the nutrition and lifestyle needs of burned out millennial women. Sign up on the website or learn more by sending me a message.
