Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ BONUS: Optimizing Adrenal Health: The Power of Lifestyle Changes with Dr. Izabella Wentz
Feb 17, 2025
Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and author known for her work on Hashimoto's and adrenal health. She shares insights on the link between adrenal and thyroid issues, the myth of adrenal fatigue, and the physiological differences between acute and chronic stress. Dr. Wentz discusses lifestyle factors that affect adrenal health, the role of adaptogens, and the critical impact of sleep and trauma on well-being. Listeners will learn about foods that support or hinder thyroid function and practical steps for optimizing their health.
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Acute Stress Response
- Acute stress triggers cortisol release, increasing bodily functions for immediate action while suppressing non-essential processes.
- After the stressor, the body returns to its normal cortisol rhythm, crucial for overall health.
Chronic Stress and HPA Axis
- Chronic stress, encompassing psychological, past trauma, and physiological factors, leads to prolonged cortisol release.
- The body, recognizing the harm of excessive cortisol, downregulates production, resulting in a dysregulated HPA axis.
Recognizing Adrenal Dysfunction
- Look for signs of adrenal dysfunction like feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks, brain fog, and trouble waking up.
- Other indicators include wired but tired sensations, anxiety, blood sugar swings, and sensitivity to bright lights.
