What is the HPA Axis? Part 1

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is your stress response system. It’s that internal system that triggers the fight-or-flight response when you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

For example, imagine you are hiking a trail on Badger Mountain when you suddenly hear that tell-tale sound of a rattlesnake. Your first response is to freeze and listen to figure out where the sound is coming from before deciding if you should continue forward or turn back.

While you are making these decisions, your body is activating the HPA axis. When you hear that rattling sound, the hypothalamus (a small region at the base of your brain) releases the neurotransmitter corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) that binds to the nearby pituitary gland triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

This hormone travels through your body down to the adrenal glands (located at the top of each kidney) triggering the release of cortisol and activating the sympathetic nervous system. As the levels of cortisol in your bloodstream increase, multiple systems are affected, preparing your body to either fight or flee the dangerous situation.

Unfortunately, your body cannot differentiate between types of stress. Whether it’s a friendly neighborhood rattlesnake, a work deadline, or an argument with your spouse, the HPA axis is triggered.

Your body is not designed to be on alert for extended periods, so prolonged high levels of cortisol can lead to harmful effects on our overall health. If the HPA axis is out of balance, symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, anxiety, or depression can develop.

The HPA axis functions on a spectrum, with the extremes of the spectrum causing clinical disorders which require assessment and treatment by a medical doctor, such as Cushing syndrome or Addison disease. However, most of the time dysfunction of the HPA axis can be improved with lifestyle changes. In particular, paying attention to the disruptors listed in the graphic and working to reduce or remove them. 

If you would like to find out more about how lifestyle changes can impact your ability to respond to stress, schedule an inquiry call today: https://empoweredhealthinstitute.com/

If you feel that you could benefit from a more extensive evaluation of your HPA axis activation and want some help formulating a plan toward increased well-being, schedule a functional medicine consultation today and let us help you. At Empowered Health, this is one of our specialties.