Buy Now Pay Later: The True Cost of HPA Axis Dysfunction
Presented by Ruth Hobson, ND on March 13th, 2024
Learning Objectives:
• Recognize healthy HPA axis regulation
• Develop an understanding of the complex mechanisms responsible for HPA axis dysfunction
• Discuss physiological adaptations within the HPA axis that lead to different adrenal phases (patterns)
• Assess testing options for the HPA axis including diurnal cortisol, cortisol awakening response (CAR) as well as urinary cortisol, cortisone and their metabolites
• Identify adaptations within the HPA axis and begin to align these adaptations with appropriate treatment strategies
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction & Objectives
01:12 Understanding the HPA Axis
02:42 Assessing Stress and Metabolic Impact
04:07 Allostasis vs. Allostatic Load
06:02 Chronic Stress and Inflammation
07:59 Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Health
10:04 Cortisol and Circadian Rhythms
11:41 Cortisol’s Multisystem Effects
12:53 Recognizing Stress Overload Symptoms
13:48 Cortisol Rhythm & Testing Methods
14:57 Interpreting Stress Response Curves
16:42 HPA Dysfunction Phases Explained
18:48 Testing Patterns & Treatment Basics
20:00 Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)
21:32 Ideal vs. Dysregulated CAR Patterns
23:26 Elevated vs. Blunted CAR Examples
25:03 CAR Testing Instructions
25:56 Case Study: High Waking Cortisol
28:01 Case Study: Blunted CAR & Flat Rhythm
30:03 Case Study: Young Adult with High Stress
32:47 Lifestyle & Supplement Interventions
33:39 Urinary Cortisol Testing Overview
35:07 Time Points & Metabolite Analysis
36:20 Role of 11β-HSD Enzymes
37:43 Interpreting Cortisol-Cortisone Balance
39:05 Low Cortisol Output Case Example
40:48 High Metabolism & Cortisol Preference
42:05 Mixed Pattern with Night Stress
43:44 Summary of Salivary vs. Urinary Testing
45:19 Treatment Strategies & Final Thoughts