One may think stress is no big deal, but the fact that almost 90% of primary care visits are related to stress says otherwise.
With the holiday season well on its way, many of us feel stressed trying to fit cooking, shopping and decorating into our already busy schedule.
Headaches, weight gain, changes in sex drive, trouble sleeping, anxiety, blood sugar imbalance and weakened immune system are just a few symptoms associated with stress – and the longer the stress continues, the more it can affect your whole body.
The scientific term for this is hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. Chronic stress over time leads to disruption in the diurnal cortisol pattern, which can affect the gut, brain, thyroid, and the female and male reproductive systems.
How Can We Help Stress?
Supplements known as apoptogenic herbs along with lifestyle and diet changes can help regulate HPA axis dysregulation. It is best to test before starting a supplement regimen because there are three stages of HPA axis dysregulation and certain herbs could make symptoms worse if used in the wrong stage.
At Magnolia Pharmacy we provide testing for Progesterone, Estrogen, Testosterone and DHEA, along with a four-point cortisol using simple saliva tests.
