Stressors Change, Symptoms Remain: HPA Axis Suppression

The stressors of life have undoubtedly changed over the centuries and decades. They can sometimes change over the course of several weeks, days, or a split second in the case of a major life event. While few of us encounter grizzly bears or come face-to-face with the other fight-or-flight dangers of our ancestors, our bodies nevertheless are exposed to everyday stressors that collectively tax our emotional and physical health. From feeling tension at work or with a spouse, these ongoing stressors can tax the body to the point of developing HPA axis suppression (formerly known as adrenal fatigue). It may start as a general feeling of malaise, trouble sleeping, allergies, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, and lowered immune response. It can be easy to dismiss these symptoms as they commonly overlap with other conditions, but identifying HPA axis suppression can allow for effective treatment, managed symptoms, and restoration of a healthy, balanced body. Read more…