Chronic stress has become an epidemic and is one of the most common complaints reported to primary care physicians. The way your body experiences stress is much more complicated than most people realize. The stress response is a complex system that involves the brain, nervous system, and adrenal glands.  This is called the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. When the brain perceives a stress, it signals the adrenals to make cortisol and the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline). Optimal cortisol levels are highest in the morning to help us wake up start the day and lowest in the evening to promote sleep. Long term stress leads to chronic activation of the HPA axis, which disrupts the cortisol rhythm as well as other hormones including DHEA, melatonin, and even insulin.

Nearly every organ including the gut, brain, thyroid, and male and female reproductive system can be impacted, leading to a multitude of symptoms – including emotional and cognitive issues like anxiety.