Is Stress Taking A Toll in St. Charles IL?

What Is Cortisol In St. Charles IL?

Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone.” It is released in response to stress and low blood glucose levels. While cortisol is essential for various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure regulation, chronic elevation due to prolonged stress can lead to serious health issues. Contact our St. Charles IL chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

The body’s stress response system is comprised of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Prolonged stress triggers the HPA axis and consists of three stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion. The initial, short-lived phase, the alarm phase, is the body’s normal fight-or flight response to danger which is characterized by elevated cortisol levels. The next phase, the resistance phase, allows the body to continue buffering extended stress exposure, long after the initial fight-or-flight response has dissipated. Hormones released by the adrenals, such as cortisol and DHEA, help support the resistance reaction. In stage three, extended periods of stress not only burden the system, creating an imbalance in cortisol and DHEA production, but can result in mental and physical fatigue, nervous tension, irritability, poor memory and decreased immunity.

Symptoms of High or Low Cortisol Levels

When cortisol levels are either consistently elevated or fall below optimal levels over time, a variety of symptoms may arise, including:

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
• High blood pressure
• Frequent infections or slow wound healing
• Mid-day fatigue

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

• Anxiety and irritability
• Mood swings or depression
• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

Diagnosing Cortisol Imbalances

If you suspect that you may be experiencing the effects of high or low cortisol levels, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Here at Fox Valley Chiropractic Physicians, we provide a thorough examination that includes:

1. Medical History Review: Discussing symptoms and lifestyle factors.
2. Physical Examination: Evaluating overall health and identifying any physical signs of stress.
3. Laboratory Tests:
   • Blood Tests: To measure cortisol levels at specific times of the day, as cortisol levels naturally fluctuate.
   • Saliva Tests: Used to assess cortisol variations throughout the day.
   • 24-Hour Urine Test: This can provide an overview of cortisol production throughout the day, if necessary, follow-up testing is required.

Treatment Options

Addressing high or low cortisol levels typically involves a multi-faceted approach. Each of our patients will be given the tools based on their specific findings and symptoms. Some of these include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Personalized stress management techniques, exercise protocols and following a customized and specific balanced diet
• Therapy: Referrals to therapists specializing in cortisol management that can provide support and tools to navigate stressors effectively.
• Nutraceuticals: Natural botanicals that support the body’s ability to respond to and counteract the negative effects of stress may be prescribed to help manage cortisol imbalance and associated symptoms.

Long-Term Consequences of Untreated High or Low Cortisol

Failing to address chronic stress and elevated or low cortisol levels can lead to significant long-term health consequences, including:

• Cardiovascular Issues: Chronically high cortisol levels may increase blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, all factors that can increase your risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack.
• Metabolic Disorders: Higher likelihood of obesity, increase in blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. If you have diabetes, stress can inhibit insulin production potentially contributing to more diabetic complications.
• Mental Health Problems: Prolonged anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
• Immune System Suppression: High cortisol levels may reduce natural killer cell activity, immune cells that limit the spread of certain viruses and tumors. High cortisol can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune disorders.
• Inflammation: Stress may lead to asthma, allergies, or atopic dermatitis and inflammatory skin condition.
• Gastrointestinal Health: Stress may cause GI symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of cortisol in stress management is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing symptoms of high or low cortisol or chronic stress, it’s essential to seek help. By implementing lifestyle changes and working with a healthcare provider at Fox Valley Chiropractic Physicians, you can take proactive steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Act today! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jen to evaluate your cortisol levels and discuss personalized strategies. Prioritizing your wellness now can pave the way for a healthier tomorrow.