What is HPA Axis Dysregulation?

It’s common knowledge that stress is bad for your health. However, why this is the case is less commonly known.

The HPA axis, which probably seems like a random clump of letters to those who have not heard of it, is an important process that is severely impacted by stress.

But we’ll get to that later. First let’s talk about what it is, and then we’ll move onto how stress impacts it.

Dr. Jolene Brighten gives a great definition for the HPA Axis:

“The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a set of three systems: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland. It’s a neuroendocrine system, meaning that it deals both with the brain and the hormones. The HPA axis is used to regulate a number of body processes, including stress response, digestion, immune system, mood and emotions, and sexuality.”

Let’s break this down a little more.

Three Parts

Hypothalamus: An important part of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.

Pituitary Gland: A pea-sized gland attached to the base of the brain next to the hypothalamus which controls the function of other endocrine glands in the body (e.g. the pancreas, the adrenal glands, etc.).

Adrenal Glands: Two small glands that sit perched on the kidneys and play a vital role in the delicate dance of blood sugar regulation. They produce a number of important hormones including our three major stress hormones: epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol.

All three of these systems work together in the body’s stress response.

Stress and the HPA Axis

When we perceive a stressor, our physiological stress response is to kick our sympathetic nervous system (AKA fight or flight) and our HPA axis into high gear.

This is a life-saving mechanism. In the face of danger, our bodies know to increase blood pressure and muscle tension to get us ready to fight or run away.

But, there are two types of stress, and they have very different implications. There is acute stress and chronic stress.

Acute stress comes from a sudden, short term stressor such as an alarm clock sounding or taking a big exam. After a while, our brain no longer perceives the stressor and tells our organs to stop producing hormones. We return to a state of rest.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, persists for a long period of time. Chronic exposure to stress taxes our HPA axis and over time, leads to dysfunction.

Neuroendocrine

The HPA axis deals with both the brain and the hormones.

So, when there is dysfunction, it’s more complicated than just thinking, “my adrenals aren’t making enough hormones and that’s why I’m tired all the time.”

HPA Axis Dysregulation is different from adrenal insufficiency and it is not adrenal fatigue.

A healthy HPA axis relies on its three parts interacting effectively. When the communication between them breaks down, this complex dance is thrown off its grove.

Dysfunction

Modern life is FULL of stressors, including hectic schedules, demanding jobs, refined sugar, processed food, and environmental toxins.

Chronic stress runs rampant, and thus, so does HPA Axis Dysregulation.

Symptoms of HPA Axis Dysregulation includes:

• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Memory problems
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Hormonal imbalances
• Reduced libido
• Skin problems

Supporting the HPA Axis with Food

How can we support our HPA axis and move from dysfunction → function? You can start by taking a look at your diet.

Foods you are allergic or sensitive to, processed food, and refined sugar can all add stress to your plate (literally). They cause inflammation, which disrupts the HPA axis.

Click here to receive a list of my favorite Therapeutic Foods for Stress Relief.

Regularly including these and other anti-inflammatory foods will enhance your HPA axis function.

Happy healing!

References:

Nutritional Therapy Association (2019). Blood Sugar Regulation Module Study Guide. Olympia, WA.

Tomas, C., Newton, J., & Watson, S. (2013). A review of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome. ISRN neuroscience, 2013, 784520. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/784520

Brighten, J. (2019, August 7). The HPA Axis and Healing Anxiety. Retrieved from https://drbrighten.com/hpa-axis-healing-anxiety/

Amy, Rowland, D., J, M., Linda, Kristin, Kristin, … Valerie. (2017, July 6). The Myth of Adrenal Fatigue: Revolution Health Radio. Retrieved from https://chriskresser.com/myth-of-adrenal-fatigue/