A well oiled machine can only run so long and then it needs to be serviced, relubricated, and put back into performance mode. I hate having to take the time for oil changes on my car, but it's necessary to keep it perfoming at it's peak and to keep the engine from seizing up all together. It's the same with us!! Our lives, unfortunately, do not always allow designated down times, and our bodies suffer the consequences when we don't pay attention to our internal "check engine light". The end result is that our bodies crash and then we are forced to make changes.
Often people first make a connection with me to determine if there is hormonal imbalance going on, but I also share that poor stress management plays in significantly in the "hormone world". I like to look into both the ovaries and the adrenal glands for poor engine performance. (so to speak) :)
Adrenal Fatigue is running rampant in our society and it's due to the fast paced lifestyles we lead. The physical manifestations of stress can be very interesting to say the least. From headaches, to missed menstrual cycles, to crying spells, to lashing out at people, to missing work, and on and on the list goes.
Here's some of the things that PROLONGED stress can cause:
Tendency to gain weight and unable to lose it, especially around the waist.
High frequency of getting illness or flu.
Tendency to tremble when under pressure
Reduced sex drive
Lightheaded when rising from a laying down position
Unable to remember things
Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon often between 2-5pm.
Feeling better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.
Cravings for salty, fatty, and high protein food.
Increase in symptoms of PMS for women
Feeling better when stress is relieved, such as on vacation or on days "off" without deadlines
Mild depression
Dry and thin skin
Lack of focus and difficulty staying in conversations without your mind wandering
Nervousness
Palpitations
Unexplained hair loss
Upset stomach
Skin rashes
Headaches
Rapid aging
Feeling Tired but Wired
When we talk "hormones", often the focus in on the ovaries. The problem with just focusing on the ovaries is that the adrenal glands contribute about 35% of female hormones pre-menopausal and almost 50% post-menopausally. So what's the big deal with that? Well, in short, if the adrenals are exhausted so will be the person. This fatigue will affect almost EVERY area of life if allowed to run off course. (sleep, infertility, rapid aging, memory, blood sugar issues, osteoporosis, weight, etc. etc.)
So how do you know where you stand with stress?
The best way to measure your level of free key adrenal hormones is through a saliva testing panel. It is preferred because it measures the amount of free and "usable" hormones circulating through the body. I just received a report on a male patient this week who has a skyrocketing cortisol at night. No wonder he can't sleep. Thankfully he tested and we can offer adaptogens and nutraceuticals to combat this problem. Another female patient this week is having difficulty and feels like she's on the verge of crying all the time. I am working with her private physician to develop a treatment plan to restore key hormones, but also addressing the stress hormones as well. She is simply running on empty.
If you feel stressed to the MAXXXX and you're noticing some suspicious symptoms, please MAKE THE TIME to give me a call. I will help guide you through the process of testing and help you in getting to the bottom of things.
To your good health,
Dr. Sonja
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