Adrenal Dysfunction

What is Adrenal Dysfunction?

Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, is released by adrenal glands under stressful conditions. Chronically high levels of this hormone can cause exhaustion, insomnia, weight gain, muscle weakness and more, termed adrenal dysfunction. This occurs when the system deteriorates in the face of chronically high stress.

The Function of the HPA Axis

This axis includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal gland. It modulates the immune response when there are high levels of cortisol, resulting in the suppression of immune and inflammatory reactions.

Adrenal dysfunction is a common term used to describe symptoms that are now better understood as HPA axis dysfunction. It involves dysregulation in the body’s stress response over time and is associated with numerous disorders. 

Cortisol Dysfunction

Chronic stress causes an increase in the release of cortisol, over time the cells become resistant to cortisol levels and the negative feedback system it relies upon is no longer effective.

HPA Axis Dysfunction Forms

  • Primary Adrenal insufficiency – it is when your adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol.

 

  • Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency – It occurs when your pituitary gland does not make enough ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone), a hormone that controls cortisol production.

 

  • Addison’s Disease – The most common adrenal disorder is Addison’s disease, which causes low blood pressure, fatigue, weight loss and weak immune system, and if left untreated can cause an adrenal crisis that can be a life-threatening condition.

Common Symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction<strong

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Adrenal Dysfunction Tests

It is difficult to assess adrenal dysfunction based on symptoms alone so testing is necessary.

  • ACTH Stimulation Test – In this, a blood sample is drawn, a shot of ACTH is injected into the muscle, and after some time, blood is drawn again. Cortisol levels are tested in both samples to locate the disorder in the HPA axis.
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  • Diurnal and Nocturnal Saliva Testing for Cortisol – These tests entail taking multiple salivary samples at different points in time to test cortisol levels.

 

  • DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) – It is carried out to check whether the adrenal glands are working normally.

 

  • DUTCH (Dry Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)

 

Other than these, comprehensive lab work such as blood and saliva tests, nutrient deficiency assessment and gut function analysis might be needed to confirm the diagnosis and formulate an effective treatment plan.

Adrenal Dysfunction Treatment

After confirming the diagnosis and making sure that your symptoms are indeed caused by adrenal dysfunction, a treatment plan is devised. It is mainly focused on rebalancing adrenal function to alleviate the symptoms and restore homeostasis. This is achieved by employing a number of interventions including administering lifestyle modifications and herbal supplements. Additionally, we teach stress management techniques to down-regulate the sympathetic nervous system (part of the nervous system activated in stressful conditions) and allow the parasympathetic nervous system (part of the nervous system that control’s the body’s ability to relax) to be activated, promoting healing and relaxation.

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