March 18, 2024
Home » HPA-axis. Are you stressed?

Stress, like inflammation, is a natural response. We need stress to function on a normal basis.  So, when the question arises, “Are you stressed?” the answer is yes, but what is happening is complex. Indeed, this physical adaptation is modulated by the HPA- axis, and even if the physical response is an orchestrated cascade reaction, the triggers can be varied.

Stress is defined as a state of a real or perceived threat to homeostasis. Indeed, when the balance of our body is threatened, and activation of several responses occur. This response is the combination of complex reactions modulated by the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Nevertheless, the stress response has the only purpose of maintaining the stressed individual alive.

Stress, like inflammation, is a natural response. We need stress to function on a normal basis.  So, when the question arises, “Are you stressed?” the answer is yes, but what is happening is complex. Indeed, this physical adaptation is modulated by the HPA- axis, and even if the physical response is an orchestrated cascade reaction, the triggers can be varied.

Stress is defined as a state of a real or perceived threat to homeostasis. Indeed, when the balance of our body is threatened, and activation of several responses occur. This response is the combination of complex reactions modulated by the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Nevertheless, the stress response has the only purpose of maintaining the stressed individual alive.

Stress response:
§  increased awareness.

§  improved condition.

§  euphoria.

§  enhanced analgesia.

Stress response:
§  increased awareness.

§  improved condition.

§  euphoria.

§  enhanced analgesia.

Physiological adaptations:
§  increased cardiovascular tone.

§  high respiratory rate.

§  inhibition of feeding and digesting.

§  growth.

§  reproduction.

§  immunity.

HPA-axis and stress response:

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) is how we commonly call the interaction between the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) located in the hypothalamus, the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and finally, the adrenal glands located over the kidneys. Besides, other structures like the brain stem noradrenergic neurons, sympathetic adrenomedullary circuits, and parasympathetic systems.

Nevertheless, the stress cascade’s first trigger is a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), secreted by the PVN’s hypophysiotropic neurons. Afterward, CFR travels through the hypophysial portal vessels that lead to the anterior pituitary gland. In this site, CFR binds to its receptor on the pituitary corticotropes and releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and then gets released into the systemic circulation.

Once ACTH reaches the adrenal cortex, the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids these glucocorticoids are the starters of the downstream effects controlled by the HPA-axis. Finally, the homeostasis returns with a negative feedback loop of cortisol that inhibits CFR release. Nevertheless, the unbalanced regulation of HPA effects is linked to the development of physiopathology.

Glucocorticoids:

When we talk about glucocorticoids, we refer to cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents. As estrogen, cortisol is considered a hormone, and cortisol receptor is widely distributed in our body. Therefore, cortisol regulates metabolism, cardiovascular processes, as well as the immune system and behavioral processes.

General adaptation syndrome:

 

First described by Hans Selye in 1930, the general adaptation syndrome is described as the manifestation of stress in the whole body, as developed over time. Once a stressor, considered either good or bad, starts the stress cascade, the body initiates an alarm reaction.

Alarm reaction: Selye
§  gluconeogenesis.

§  decreased insulin sensitivity.

§  amino acid mobilization.

§  protein catabolism.

§  mobilization of free fatty acids from the adipose tissue.

§  decreased phagocytosis.

§  decreased white blood cell migration.

§  decreased lymphocyte production.

§  increased red blood-cell production.

 Levels of resistance:

Alarm reaction: body’s defenses are low.

Stage of resistance: on a chronic state of alarm, defenses are elevated.

Stage of exhaustion: the cortisol feedback receptors in the hippocampus become desensitized and damaged. Afterward, the defenses get depleted and reduced.

Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction:
Afternoon low between 3-4 PM

Anxiety
Cognitive dysfunction Confusion

Decreased libido Decreased memory recall Decreased productivity

Decreased tolerance

Depressed mood

Difficulty concentrating

Fatigue not relieved by rest

Feeling better after eating.

Increased effort to do every day

Insomnia

Craving salt or sugar
Dark circles under eyes Decreased ability to handle stress.Difficulty getting up in the morning tasks.

Increased fears
Elevated recovery time

Exacerbated symptoms with skipped meals

Lethargy
Orthostatic hypotension

Pain
Pre-menstrual tension

How to treat adrenal dysfunction:

 

Test don’t guess. Indeed, that is the rule; what we are looking for are high cortisol levels at times where they should be low. For example, we want cortisol to be released in the morning, to feel awake, and go on with our morning routine. On the other hand, cortisol levels should remain low when we get prepared to sleep and have a relaxing night sleep.

Ironically, blood tests for CRH, ACTH stimulation can induce a cortisol upregulation. Nevertheless, salivary cortisol tests are available and have similar results compared to plasma-cortisol levels. A cortisol salivary test can be sufficient to assess HPA-axis status.

Lifestyle modifications:

 

Cortisol can influence glucose levels the same way hypoglycemia can induce cortisol release. Indeed, the alarm reaction caused by cortisol release induces gluconeogenesis, protein catabolism, and amino acid mobilization. On the other hand, we skip a meal and present a hypoglycemia state. Our body responds to it as a “stress” signal. This induces the release of cortisol, which in chronic stress condition will raise blood glucose levels.

 

Also, caffeine should be avoided in patients who are under chronic stress. Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system, and additionally, it amplifies cortisol production that could last several hours after drinking it.

Stress-relieving techniques can lower cortisol levels, as well as exercise. In fact, exercise is considered a stressor and releases cortisol, but constant exercise has been shown to induce a cortisol receptor sensitivity factor. Also, the stress signal induced by exercise is less-inflammatory than the immune-stress response.

Nutraceutics and adrenal dysfunction:

 

Eleutherococcus senticosus: (Siberian ginseng) antistress, antifatigue, and immunomodulatory properties.

Ginkgo biloba: used in the Chinese culture to aid short-term memory loss and vertigo. It is linked to have anti-stress properties and a potent antioxidant.

Ocimum sanctum: Borrowed from Ayurvedic medicine, it reduces the levels of cortisol.

Panax ginseng: It contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, and it is the most antistress adaptogen.

 

Anderson, D. “Assessment and nutraceutical management of stress-induced adrenal dysfunction.” Integrative Medicine 7.5 (2008): 18-25.

Smith, Sean M., and Wylie W. Vale. “The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in neuroendocrine responses to stress.” Dialogues Clin Neurosci 8 (2006): 383-395.

Book online appointments or Online nutritional assessments.

Additional Useful Links:

Set Appointments 24/7:
Book Online Appointment: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

Take Your Functional Wellness Assessment Today:
Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

General Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "HPA-axis. Are you stressed?" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Alexander Jimenez

View all posts
Certified Functional Medicine Doctor El Paso

Latest videos