The HPA axis or hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal axis is probably a phrase you’ve heard of or read on your favorite health website. But what is the HPA axis?  And, how do we recognize and support HPA axis dysfunction? 

What is the HPA axis? 

The HPA axis is a quick way of describing the incredible physiological communication and response that occurs between three organs, the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. They participate in both endocrine (think hormones) and neurological (think neurotransmitters) function. These organs obviously have a major influence on our experience in the world! 

The hypothalamus and pituitary are the size of an almond and pea, respectively, and are located at the base of the brain.  Along with the adrenals, two walnut sized glands that sit atop the kidneys (ad = above, renal = kidney), the pituitary and hypothalamus are most known to help balance our responses to stress. These small but mighty glands also influence many other physiological functions that we don’t usually associate with stress, such as:
 

• Mineral balance 
• Blood pressure 
• Regulation of steroid (sex) hormones 
• Blood sugar balance 
• Tissue permeability 
• Appetite 
• Sleep 
• Memory 
• Cardiac function 

(Gropper & Smith, 2013; Herman et al., 2016) 

Possible Symptoms of HPA Axis Dysfunction: 

• Exhaustion and fatigue 
• Difficulty falling asleep 
• Struggling upon waking up 
• Substance dependency (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, etc.) 
• Brain fog 
• Dizziness 
• Nausea 
• Low appetite 
• Low blood pressure 
• Increased sugar and/or salt cravings 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Unexplained hair loss 

With so many aspects of physiology related to this axis, how do we determine HPA dysfunction?  What causes miscommunication between these three glands, and how do we support re-balance? 

These are not easy questions!  Why? 

No two people will encounter the same stressors. 

No two people will exhibit the same symptoms of stress. 

What do we do? 

What is the Cause and How do you Support the HPA Axis?
 

For the most accurate solution we have to turn to the NTA’s major foundation of bio-individuality.  This concept allows us to view each person as an individual, each with their own unique symptoms and means of support.  Truly, any and every symptom can be traced to the body’s inability to deal with stressors, and this ‘overload’ interrupts the endocrinological/neurological function via the HPA axis that allows us to maintain homeostasis, or physiological balance. 

These forms of stress can come from psychological and emotional sources, infection, lack of sleep, processed foods, over or under-eating, over or under-exercising, toxins, lack of sun and proper Vitamin D synthesis, GI distress…the list is endless. These are all ‘stress!’ And, they all have the potential to create HPA axis dysfunction. Even loneliness has been shown to create HPA axis dysfunction (Cacioppo, Cacioppo, Capitanio, & Cole, 2015). 

To appropriately support HPA dysfunction we must provide specific solutions that fit the individual’s needs. What works for one person may not work for another, simply because of the wide possibilities of both stressors and responses. 

Read our blog on Effects of Stress on the Body to learn some great, broad spectrum solutions.  And, find an NTP (or sign up for our current classes!) to more deeply understand the NTA’s bio-individual approach. 

Written by Victoria LaFont, BA, NTP, CGP, candidate for MS HNFM 

References 

Cacioppo, J. T., Cacioppo, S., Capitanio, J. P., & Cole, S. W. (2015). The neuroendocrinology of social isolation. Annual review of psychology, 66, 733–767. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010814-015240 

Gropper, S. S., & Smith, J.L. (2013). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 

Herman, J. P., McKlveen, J. M., Ghosal, S., Kopp, B., Wulsin, A., Makinson, R., … Myers, B. (2016). Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Stress Response. Comprehensive Physiology, 6(2), 603–621. doi:10.1002/cphy.c150015