Understanding the Impact of Cortisol Imbalance on Your Health

Feeling 'Wired and Tired'? This is usually related to a cortisol imbalance.

Cortisol imbalance goes by a number of names which can be confusing.  People call this Adrenal imbalance, adrenal fatigue, hypercortisolism (too much), hypochorticolism (too little), and prolonged stress response.  

Why does it matter?  

Cortisol is similar to the steroid medication cortisone which is anti-inflammatory.  When our natural cortisol levels are functioning properly, they too affect inflammation levels.  The adrenal cortex makes substances that have an effect on our sex hormones.  It has a strong influence on energy, stress, and sleep, and inflammation.

How do I know if this is an issue for me?

Here at Acupuncture of West Michigan, we look for clues to a cortisol imbalance based on the symptoms you’re experiencing and our exam (pulse diagnosis, measuring electrical activity at ear acupuncture points). Functional medicine doctors sometimes recommend a saliva test to see if the cortisol levels remain in range during the normal daily circadian rhythm.  Conventional blood tests are looking for cortisol that is WAY out of range only to detect a pituitary tumor.  So the convention test doesn’t do much for us in this context.  

While the ‘textbook symptom’ of cortisol imbalance is feeling ‘wired and tired’, there can be a range of symptoms:  Insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, high or low blood pressure, headaches, and acne. 

Cortisol normally peaks in the early morning and has a predictable daily rhythm.

What can you do about it?

To the extent that is possible, limit the mental and physical stressors in your life.  Choose exercises that are invigorating but not exhausting.  Delegate some of your responsibilities.  And, if you can reduce other life stressors while you recover, do it.

Traditional forms of acupuncture can address the symptoms and help your hormone systems work better.  Because acupuncture works on the brain (not just where the needle goes), it can be used to help every system in the body including there nervous system and hormone system.

High quality herbs and supplements are another great choice.  Here are some of my favorites.  Stop in the office to pick some up or order them online here.

.

Ashwagandha/ Withania - This is sometimes called Indian Ginseng.  It helps with both fatigue, and anxiety as well as helping to balance cortisol levels.  I like to recommend it in high doses on its own for sleep issues - particularly when waking up around 3am is the biggest issue (due to cortisol levels).  I also like to use it in combination with Korean ginseng (for energy), Skullcap (for anxiety), and licorice to support the adrenal gland. Long term use of high levels of licorice can raise the blood pressure because it can encourage the body to excrete potassium.  If you have hypertension, Its best to take your blood pressure occasionally while taking licorice.

Korean Ginseng and Rhodiola - This is a great adaptogenic herb combination when fatigue is the most severe symptom.  Korean ginseng is famous for its quick action and some of my patients tell me they notice a difference the very first day they take it.  Occasionally people have caffeine like responses to ginseng and need to take the last dose in the early afternoon.   On the other hand, people with non-restorative sleep find that taking a dose at bed time helps them sleep better and wake up feeling rested.  Because Korean ginseng is somewhat expensive, companies that are not reputable will substitute plant parts that are not effective.  And, only rhodiola rosea contains the active ingredients.  Other species of rhodiola are not effective.

Schisandra and Rhodiola - Schisandra relieves fatigue, Restores neuroendocrine and immune function. Improves sense perception. Alleviates agitation, mentally scattered, forgetfulness, insomnia and dream disturbed sleep. Great for burn out. Detoxifies and protects the liver. regulates blood sugar and aids in digestion of fats. Used for diabetes, asthma, diarrhea, sweating, insomnia and fatigue. See Rhodiola above

Rehmannia and Licorice - Rehmannia is thought to restore pituitary and adrenals. Moistens mucosa and relieves dryness. Regulates menses and stops bleeding. Reduces inflammation and relieves eczema. Low grade fever, irritability, insomnia.  Adrenal depletion, Autoimmune disease.  Licorice - slows down the breakdown of cortisol.  This combination really helps with the underlying cause but doesn’t address adrenal symptoms strongly.  I use it when the symptoms aren’t severe or when there is a reason to take Rehmannia in a patient that also has cortisol imbalance.