10/28/2020
In Functional Med, we often talk about the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis (HPA) which is our central stress response system. It is responsible for the neuroendocrine adaptation component of the stress response. The ultimate result of the HPA axis activation is to increase levels of cortisol in the blood during times of stress. Cortisol's main role is in releasing glucose into the bloodstream in order to facilitate the "flight or fight" response.
Dysregulation of cortisol is one of the key reasons for hormonal imbalance in women, including the hormone issues linked to infertility and menstrual irregularities. Hypervigilance leads to dysregulated cortisol (too high, then over time, too high and too low, and ultimately, too low). It alters thyroid and gonadal function, making it harder to lose weight and conceive (See PCOS). In our clinical experience at Acufunkture, I would say about 90% of our hormonal imbalance cases also exhibit hypervigilance.
When considering the HPA, I am reminded of the Heart/Mind - Uterus connection via the Bao Mai meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ancient Chinese have understood this connection between our minds and reproductive functions for centuries. It’s one of the main reasons why we incorporate Mind-body Medicine like acupuncture and guided meditation in many of our hormone balance and fertility programs. We’ve found that when we are able to tone down hypervigilance and lower that fight or flight response, your body becomes more receptive to balance. We do it because it works.
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