HPA Axis Dysfunction Care in Royal Oak, MI
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is a condition often misunderstood and misdiagnosed due to its varied and non-specific symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean we should write off HPA axis dysfunction or not dig deep to uncover its root cause. Elle MD specializes in functional medicine, offering a holistic approach to identifying and treating HPA axis dysfunction and related disorders
What is HPA axis dysfunction?
HPA axis dysfunction refers to an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s response to stress. This axis controls the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, affecting various functions like metabolism, mood, and immune response.
Many symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction overlap with other health issues, such as thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. This overlap can lead to confusion and misdiagnosis.
Dr. Erin Hendriks, one of our functional medicine specialists, explains, "HPA axis dysfunction manifests in a way that often mimics other conditions, making it essential to look at the whole person and their lifestyle to get an accurate diagnosis." Your primary care provider, for example, might not run all of the tests or have enough time to accurately help you with an adrenal disorder.
Common symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is characterized by persistent and unexplained tiredness that does not improve with adequate rest or sleep. Patients with HPA axis dysfunction often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep, and may find it challenging to get through the day without feeling the need for frequent naps or rest periods. This relentless tiredness can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are another hallmark of HPA axis dysfunction. Individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed despite sleeping for an adequate number of hours. This can lead to a vicious cycle where poor sleep exacerbates fatigue, and fatigue contributes to further sleep problems. Insomnia and frequent waking during the night are common, often leaving individuals feeling restless and irritable.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness and generalized muscle fatigue are common symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction. This can manifest as a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, difficulty in performing physical activities, and a general sense of weakness throughout the body. The reduced ability to engage in exercise can lead to further physical deconditioning, perpetuating the cycle of fatigue and weakness.
Digestive issues
Digestive issues, such as bloating, abdominal pain, or irregular bowel movements, are frequently linked to HPA axis dysfunction. Chronic stress can impact gut motility and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The gut-brain connection means that hormonal imbalances caused by HPA axis dysfunction can worsen digestive discomfort, affecting nutrient absorption and overall gut health. This disruption can further contribute to fatigue and reduced vitality.
Cravings for Salty or Sweet Foods
Intense cravings for salty or sweet foods are common in those with HPA axis dysfunction. These cravings are driven by hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism and energy levels. The adrenal glands play a crucial role in regulating sodium and glucose levels in the body, and when they are not functioning optimally, it can lead to imbalances that trigger cravings.
What sets HPA axis dysfunction apart from other conditions is its direct link to prolonged stress.Unlike hypothyroidism, which primarily affects metabolism through thyroid hormone levels, HPA axis dysfunction impacts cortisol production, leading to widespread systemic effects. Chronic fatigue syndrome, on the other hand, describes more general symptoms and may not be caused by hormonal imbalances at all.
How do I know if I have HPA axis dysfunction?
Let’s take a closer look at how stress and similar experiences influence adrenal production.
-Chronic stress is a significant contributor to HPA axis dysfunction. The adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress, and prolonged periods of high stress can lead to adrenal exhaustion.
-Persistent anxiety can exacerbate the stress response, putting further strain on the adrenal glands.
-Hormonal imbalances. Imbalances in hormones like cortisol, DHEA, and others play a crucial role in HPA axis dysfunction. These imbalances can disrupt various bodily functions, leading to the symptoms associated with the condition.
-Nutritional deficiencies. Poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for adrenal function (like Vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium), can contribute to the development and progression of HPA axis dysfunction.
How we treat HPA axis dysfunction with a functional medicine approach in Royal Oak
Functional medicine addresses the root causes of HPA axis dysfunction by considering all these factors—stress, anxiety, hormones, and nutrition. By taking a comprehensive approach, our Royal Oak Team can create personalized treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient.
Dr. MacKenzie says, "In treating HPA axis dysfunction, we also focus on secondary conditions that may contribute to your fatigue. This includes addressing gut health, thyroid function, and any other underlying issues that could be draining your energy."
With a personalized wellness plan, you’ll be well on your way to feeling your very best. Even if you don’t know the causes of your fatigue, we can help. We will work to uncover exactly what your body needs to thrive!
Comprehensive Hormonal Assessment
We begin by evaluating cortisol patterns and related hormones through functional testing, which helps us understand the extent of the dysfunction and guides personalized treatment.
Stress Reduction Strategies
Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and lifestyle adjustments are integrated into your plan to help lower cortisol levels and improve HPA axis function.
Nutritional Support
A tailored diet that emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods, healthy fats, and nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins can help stabilize hormones and support the adrenal glands.
Gut Health Restoration
Addressing gut health is key, as it influences cortisol production and inflammation. We use personalized probiotics, digestive support, and dietary changes to improve gut function.
Secondary Condition Management
We also focus on secondary conditions, such as thyroid imbalances or nutrient deficiencies, that may contribute to fatigue, ensuring comprehensive recovery.
Ready to get started?
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Fill out our online form or give us a call at (248) 284-6777. Let’s find a time that works best for you.
Come in for Your First Consultation
Our initial consultations last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the path you’re interested in. During this time, you’ll learn more about our approach, discuss your current situation and goals, and come away with practical steps until next time..
Embrace Your Health Journey
After putting together your wellness plan, then we will guide you step by step toward healing. It’s time to start feeling your best!
HPA axis dysfunction specialists in Royal Oak
If you’re struggling with unexplained fatigue and suspect it might be due to HPA axis dysfunction, we invite you to work with the team at Elle MD in Royal Oak, Michigan. Our functional medicine practitioners are dedicated to helping you restore balance and regain your vitality through a personalized and holistic approach. Contact us today to start your journey to better health.
Meet the Drs.
Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.
Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!
We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.
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FAQs
Got a question? We’re here to help.
What is the connection between HPA axis dysfunction and weight gain?
HPA axis dysfunction can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, due to increased cortisol levels. Chronic stress can disrupt metabolism, promote fat storage, and increase cravings for high-calorie foods.
What is the link between HPA axis dysfunction and low cortisol?
While HPA axis dysfunction is often linked to high cortisol, it can also result in low cortisol levels over time. Prolonged stress can exhaust the adrenal glands, leading to decreased cortisol production, fatigue, and reduced stress resilience.
How does HPA axis dysfunction relate to hypothyroidism?
HPA axis dysfunction can negatively impact thyroid function, slowing metabolism and reducing energy levels. Cortisol imbalances can interfere with thyroid hormone conversion, contributing to hypothyroidism symptoms.
What is the connection between HPA axis dysfunction and adrenal fatigue?
HPA axis dysfunction previously was described as adrenal fatigue, a condition where prolonged stress leads to suboptimal adrenal function, resulting in symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and low energy.
How to test for HPA axis dysfunction?
Testing for HPA axis dysfunction involves cortisol tests, typically through saliva, blood, or urine, taken at multiple points throughout the day. These tests provide a clearer picture of cortisol patterns and overall adrenal health. Check with a professional for accurate results.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance at our functional medicine and weight management practice to ensure we can provide personalized, in-depth care without the limitations or constraints imposed by traditional insurance models, allowing us to focus fully on the long-term well-being and success of our patients.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by cash, check, VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We also accept most FSA/HSA
Can I use my flexible spending or health savings account?
Yes. We accept most HSA and FSA cards.
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
We understand that your schedule might change, and you might need to reschedule your appointment.
You may cancel/reschedule your appointment without penalty up to 24 hours business days before your appointment. Voicemail messages are acceptable. Here is the link if you need to reschedule your appointment: https://ellemd.janeapp.com/
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Weight loss and functional medicine clinic located in Royal Oak, and serving clients all across the state of Michigan.
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