![]() When the resistance phase finally takes its toll and triggers the collapse of organs or bodily systems (which can vary greatly from person to person), the exhaustion phase results. This phase is the optimal time for reversal and prevention through natural health therapies.Įxhaustion: With a relentless form of stress lasting for years, the body’s ability to overcome stress becomes overwhelmed your body is determined to conserve energy by down regulating (or shutting down) it’s internal functions - this is the basic survival mode. The continued elevation of cortisol suppresses the immune system and can increase the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. Epinephrine is no longer enough to mount an effective attack and cortisol is called in to help. Resistance phase: This phase occurs as the body continues to fight a chronic stressor or newly-added stressor. However, in our current society of constant stress, this can go on for months to years. This response is not meant, biologically, to last more than 5 minutes it is meant to prepare your body to deal with an immediate threat. The body stimulates the release of epinephrine (aka adrenaline), which increases blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow to the muscles. There are 3 stages of adrenal dysfunctionĪlarm/reaction phase: Known as the “fight or flight” reaction or the “emergency response,” this is the body’s initial response to stress. All of these imbalances and changes occur as a result of the body over-producing cortisol at the expense of other hormones, due to chronically high levels of stress. ![]() Progesterone is important for regular menstrual cycles, fertility, and immune function, so deficient levels result in irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems, and other issues. Deficient DHEA results in fatigue, depression, anxiety, dry skin and hair, loss of libido, and other negative symptoms. DHEA is the anti-aging hormone that reduces fatigue and helps to improve libido, muscle synthesis, bone density, and heart health. A deficiency in leptin leads to constant hunger, lethargy, and obesity. It’s also important for menstrual health. Leptin is the satiety hormone, which signals the brain to stop eating once enough food has been consumed. When it’s not produced in adequate amounts, the result is blood sugar spikes and imbalances, which leads to fatigue and a lack of energy. Insulin triggers the conversion of sugar in the blood into energy to be used by the body. This shift in hormone production in the adrenal glands leads to deficiencies in other hormones such as insulin, leptin, DHEA, and progesterone. Since it’s a catabolic hormone, cortisol - when chronically elevated - can lead to depleted hormones, lack of nutrients, lowered liver function, increased inflammation throughout the body, infertility, and mood disorders. However, this is only meant to occur once in a while - in our society, many of us are chronically stressed thanks to the demands and stresses of work, relationships, school, finances, and more - even traffic jams. Cortisol causes an increase in heart rate and blood sugar levels, which is a normal bodily response to stress. During stressful periods, the adrenals produce excess cortisol, which compromises the production of other hormones. ![]() The adrenal glands are responsible for producing several hormones, including cortisol. ![]() The adrenals are closely linked to hormonal issues, digestion, immune function, energy, libido, and mood. The adrenal glands are part of the HPA (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal) axis, our central stress response system which helps the body respond to stress. By supporting adrenal balance and overall hormonal balance, we can restore the health of the nervous system and promote a stress-free, healthy natural state of being. The health of the adrenal glands is paramount, as the adrenals produce our stress hormones and are an important component of our stress response. Because of the interconnected nature of our bodily systems, and the vast effects of hormonal imbalances, maintaining the health of our nervous and endocrine systems is absolutely vital. This causes widespread issues and disrupts our overall sense of well-being. When the nervous system is under undue stress, the hormones become imbalanced. The two systems interact, with the nervous system essentially controlling the endocrine system. The nervous system is intricately linked to the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production and distribution of hormones throughout the body. The nervous system consists of a complex network of nerves and cells that are responsible for the transmission of various messages to and from the brain and spinal cord, and throughout the body.
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