Adrenal Function & HPA Axis

adrenal function HPA axis, Inspired Health Center, Bend Oregon

Every week we meet new clients who struggle with issues regarding adrenal function and fatigue. It’s just a sliver of the more than 500,000 Americans who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Millions more suffer from severe exhaustion or adrenal dysfunction. If you find yourself relying on coffee, sugar or other stimulants to get you going in the morning, you may be experiencing HPA-Axis Dysregulation. This feeling is often accompanied by one or more of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Low Mood
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Mid-Section Weight Gain
  • Sugar and Caffeine cravings
  • Crashing afternoon energy
  • Irregular Hormones

Our practitioners approach Adrenal Dysfunction and its associated symptoms through an analysis of the “Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis,” or HPA Axis for short. This critical pathway  connects the Brain (Hypothalamus + Pituitary) and the body’s Adrenal glands and regulates how the body responds to stress. When the HPA-Axis is out of balance the brain can overstimulate the adrenal glands, causing an excess production of the stress hormone cortisol. Not only can there be excess production of cortisol, but there can also be a deficiency of cortisol. Both excess and deficient cortisol can  lead to fatigue.

It is difficult to judge cortisol levels based on symptoms alone. Therefore, it is important to determine cortisol levels before determining an optimal treatment plan. This begins with an adrenal function test. Inspired Health’s practitioners are HPA experts who rely on the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) analysis to examine cortisol levels. Unlike other hormone tests, including salivary testing, The DUTCH test reveals Total Cortisol levels, Free Cortisol Levels, and associated metabolites. This allows us to look at a deeper physiologic imbalance than previous salivary testing alone.

Because the endocrine system is complex, issues that arise rarely stem from just one hormone. If there is a disruption in the balance of hormones produced by one gland, it can cause imbalance in other hormones as well. Our practitioners bring a holistic approach to hormone imbalance treatment, crafting a personalized wellness plan designed to restore hormone balance. Our patient-driven approach addresses the root causes of symptoms associated with HPA-Axis dysfunction and adrenal fatigue. Starting from here, we work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that focuses on:

  • Nutraceuticals aimed at regaining proper hormone levels
  • Nutrition
  • Sleep
  • Movement and Exercise
  • Relaxation and meditation

Our science-based approach considers all the factors that contribute to HPA dysfunction, and our treatment plans provide effective and long-lasting benefits, putting our patients on the path wellness and healthy living. That’s Inspired.

We use data driven solutions to customize your journey towards optimal health.
Schedule an Appointment
Our practitioners specialize in:
  • Adrenal / Thyroid Disorders
  • Fertility Care
  • Irregular Menses
  • Hormone Health
  • PCOS
  • Perimenopause / Menopause
  • Male Andropause / Low Testosterone
Functional Medicine + Naturopathic Medicine + Acupuncture

This is customized Integrative healthcare – designed to get to the upstream root cause.
Creating lasting strategies for optimal health, and the reversal of chronic disease.
We hope to teach and inspire you along the way.

Schedule an Appointment