Adrenal /HPA Dysfunction

Are you or someone you know moving through life going from tired to wired and feeling irritable along the way? Perhaps you are experiencing a loss of focus or concentration? Or maybe you are having difficulty sleeping well?

Chronic stress and associated Adrenal / HPA Dysfunction is estimated to effect greater than 66% of our population at some point during our lifetime. The reality is that our world is changing very rapidly and many people are struggling to keep up. We have many more clients coming into the clinic now feeling tired, in overwhelm and wanting a full overhaul. The main reason people end up in this state is the result of physical, nutritional or emotional stressors acting on them pulling them out of balance and making each and everyday more of a struggle.

...And how do most people cope? Drink more coffee in the morning, go for the quick pick me up sugary foods or drinks, have another coffee or energy drink in the afternoon - then have a few alcoholic beverages at night to wind down and numb your mind to what just happened during the day to then pass out on the sofa! If you're lucky you make it to bed only to become unsettled and wake up or dream like mad from somewhere between 1-3 am. Then the alarm goes off and you get up feeling exhausted only to go through the cycle once again.

Here’s the catch though - this creates a vicious circle that wears you down increasing your chances of injury, lack of focus and determination, and potential burnout.

How can I tell if my stress response system is dysfunctional?

You may be experiencing adrenal fatigue if you regularly notice one or more of the following:

1. You feel tired for no reason.

2. You have trouble getting up in the morning, even when you go to bed at a reasonable hour.

3. You are feeling run down or overwhelmed.

4. You have difficulty bouncing back from stress or illness.

5. You crave salty and sweet snacks.

6. You feel more awake, alert and energetic after 6PM than you do all day.

According to Dr. Wilson author of Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome "Adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life. 

Who is susceptible to adrenal / HPA Dysfunction?

Anyone can experience at some time in his or her life. An illness, a life crisis, or a continuing difficult situation can drain the adrenal resources of even the healthiest person. However, there are factors that can make you more susceptible to Adrenal /HPA dysfunction. These include certain lifestyles (poor diet, substance abuse, too little sleep and rest, or too many pressures), chronic illness or repeated infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, prolonged situations that you feel trapped or helpless in (bad relationships, stressful jobs, poverty, imprisonment), or maternal Adrenal /HPA dysfunction during gestation.

If you have any of these symptoms discussed or would like to know how stressed your adrenals are in 2-3min then;

Can people experiencing adrenal / HPA Dysfunction feel their best again?

Yes, with proper care most people experiencing adrenal fatigue can expect to feel good again. For more information or to book in for an appointment with Dr Mark Symonds.