One of the most important systems involved in the stress response is the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis. Understanding how the HPA axis functions and how it can be impacted by stress is essential for addressing long-term stress nervous system health challenges.
What is the HPA Axis?
The HPA axis is a system of glands and hormones that play a key role in managing stress. It begins with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that monitors stress levels. When you experience stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release hormones that, in turn, stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol—often referred to as the "stress hormone." Cortisol helps your body respond to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels, preparing you to either ‘fight, flee, freeze or fawn’.
However, while cortisol is essential in helping you deal with immediate stressors, prolonged activation of the HPA axis can lead to health problems.
Chronic Stress and the Dysregulated HPA Axis
In my own experience, having lived with extreme long-term stress, I’ve learned firsthand how the HPA axis can become dysregulated. When stress is both extreme and/or prolonged, the HPA axis can become overactive. This means that the body remains in a constant state of ‘flight, fight, freeze or fawn’, even when no immediate threat is present. The result is that cortisol levels remain elevated, leading to a variety of physical and mental health issues.
Some of the common signs of an overactive HPA axis include; fatigue, difficulty concentrating, brain fog, mental cloudiness due to hormonal imbalances, mood swings, irritability, heightened emotions, difficulty regulating feelings, sleep disturbances, increased anxiety, depression and persistent feelings of unease or sadness.
Over time, this chronic stress can lead to more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and even heart disease. As someone who has struggled with these challenges, I understand how difficult it can be to break free from this cycle.
Taking Control of Your Stress
By understanding how the HPA axis works, and recognising its impact on both your mental and physical health, you can start to regain control over your life and reduce the long-term impact of chronic stress. By incorporating targeted self-care stress management techniques, you can support the restoration of balance within this system.
Research: Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis
Rosanna Commisso - Founder, StressCare Solutions Living with extreme long-term stress has shaped my passion for helping others find their path to stress resilience through self-care. If you need support, I’m here to help you understand the impact of stress and provide guidance on how to improve your health and quality of life.
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