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Abnormal adrenal function can lead to many problems. Your adrenal
glands produces cortisol in response to stress. Acute stress can lead
to high
cortisol levels. Long term stress can lead to adrenal
exhaustion and low cortisol levels. The adrenal glands do not secrete
cortisol at a constant level throughout the day. Cortisol is released
in a cycle with the highest level in the morning and the lowest level
at night. This 24-hour cycle is called the circadian rhythm.
Cortilsol is sometimes referred to as the "Master Hormone" because it is responsble for many important functions including:
Energy Function
Abnormal adrenal
function can alter the ability of cells to produce energy for normal
daily activities. People who have a hard time rising in the morning, or
who suffer from a low energy level during the day, often have abnormal
adrenal rhythms.
Muscle and Joint Function
Abnomal
adrenal rhythms are known to compromise tissue healing. Reduce tissue
repair and increase tissue breakdown can lead to muscle and joint
breakdown with chronic pain.
Bone Health
The
adrenal rhythm determines how well we build bone. If the night cortisol
level is elevated and morning level is too high, our bones do not
rebuild well, and we are more prone to osteoporosis. Stress is the
enemy of the bones. In post-menopausal women, the effect of stress
worsens due to the female hormone imbalances.
Immune Health
Short
and long-term stress is known to suppress the immune response on the
surfaces of our body as in lungs, throat, urinary and gastrointestinal
tract. With the reduction in the surface antibody (call secretory IgA),
the resistance to infection is reduced and allergic reactions are
believed to increase.
Sleep Quality
The
ability to enter REM sleep cycles (regenerative sleep) is interrupted
by high cortisol levels at night and in the morning. Chronic lack of
REM sleep can reduce the mental vitality and vigor of a person and
induce depression.
Skin Regeneration
Human
skin regenerates mostly during the night. With higher night cortisol
levels, less skin regeneration takes place. So, a normal cortisol
rhythm is essential for optimal skin health.
Thyroid Function
The
level of cortisol at the cellular level controls thyroid hormone
production. Quite often, hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and low
body temperature are due to an adrenal imbalance.
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