STAY FOCUSED ADRENALS

The adrenal glands secrete key hormones:

Cortisol
The primary stress hormone that fine-tunes our response to the stress of everyday living

 
DHEA
One of the most abundant hormones in the body, and a precursor to estrogens and testosterone; also balances some of the negative effects of high cortisol

 
Epinephrine / Norepinephrine
Neurotransmitters that mobilize the body’s natural “fight or flight” response in an emergency

Patients can conduct a saliva cortisol test to assess adrenal hormones. This involves collecting four non-invasive samples over the course of one day, from which ZRT is able to generate results with a diurnal cortisol curve. This four-point graph reveals cortisol levels throughout the day and allows Cherise FNP-BC to pinpoint issues with adrenal gland function.

Diurnal cortisol curves – understanding HPA axis dysfunction

Diurnal curves for chronic stress - understanding epinephrine and norepinephrine patterns

Adrenal glands that are in balance produce adequate amounts of hormones to power us through the day. These hormones impact just about every process in the body, from energy production and immune activity to cellular maintenance and repair. They are key regulators of glucose, insulin and inflammation, and play a major role in bone and muscle building, mood and mental focus, stamina, sex drive and sleep cycles.


Adrenal glands that are out of balance can lead to:

High Cortisol
Results in insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling tired but wired, increased belly fat & bone loss

Low Cortisol
Causes chronic fatigue, low energy, food and sugar cravings, poor exercise tolerance or recovery & low immune reserves

DHEA Out of balance adrenals can lead to high or low DHEA.