10/12/2025
Are you often stressed and constantly on the go, with little time to relax? Sometimes people find it difficult to slow down. Sometimes, even if your mind doesn’t feel stressed, your body may be experiencing it differently.
Let’s explore how stress hormones can affect your health!
👉 The stress hormone cascade — known as the HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis)—is your body’s main stress-response system. When your body perceive stress, your brain (the hypothalamus) signals the pituitary gland to release Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, a vital hormone for stress response, which then triggers your adrenal glands to release cortisol.
In short bursts, cortisol gives you the energy and alertness you need to cope. However, when this system is chronically activated, it can begin to harm instead of help.
Long-term elevation of cortisol keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode and can disrupt all the body's processes and cause various signs and symptoms.
👉 Cardiovascular System - high blood pressure
👉 Nervous system and mood - sleep disorder, fatigue,
headaches, anxiety, irritability, brain fog
👉 Digestive system - heartburn, bloating or IBS
👉 Metabolic/Endocrine system - Blood sugar imbalance,
weight gain, reduced insulin sensitivity
👉 Immune system - infections, increased inflammation
👉 Reproductive system - irregular menstrual periods,
reduced fertility
👉 Integumentary System - acne, eczema, hives, hair loss
The good news is that you can help calm the HPA axis and reduce stress-hormone activation. Supportive strategies include daily relaxation practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga; regular movement; eating fresh food and a balanced whole-food diet; consistent sleep routines; time in nature; reducing caffeine; and setting healthy boundaries around work and technology.
Building these habits helps your body shift back into a restorative state, allowing cortisol levels to normalise and your overall health to improve.
Many of the symptoms we see in the clinic—from fatigue and poor sleep to digestive issues and mood changes—are often the result of chronic stress. In your consultation, we work closely with you to identify the root causes and support your body with personalised nutrition guidance, lifestyle adjustments, targeted herbal and nutritional supplementation. If you’re ready to feel balanced, energised, and in control of your health again, we welcome you to book a consultation and start your journey.