What Is the HPA Axis?

Understanding the HPA Axis: Your Body's Stress Response

The Science Behind the Symptoms

Research shows that HPA axis dysfunction is linked to:

• Melancholic depression with high cortisol and anxious rumination (Gold & Chrousos, Molecular Psychiatry, 2002)

• Atypical depression and chronic fatigue with low cortisol and apathy (Juruena et al., J Affect Disord., 2018)

• Cognitive decline and smaller hippocampal volume in individuals with persistent cortisol elevation (Lupien et al., 2005)

• Increased risk of relapse in anxiety and PTSD, especially in those with a history of childhood trauma (Trickett et al., 2011)

Chronic stress also diverts hormonal pathways—what some call “cortisol steal”—reducing the production of progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. This can worsen mood swings, PMS, insomnia, and low libido.

How We Test and Support You

At Belle Medical, we offer advanced salivary cortisol and diurnal rhythm testing, along with functional hormone analysis. This helps us identify imbalances that conventional labs often miss.

We assess:

• Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)

• Daily cortisol slope

• Sex hormone patterns (progesterone, testosterone, DHEA)

• Stress-gut-mood interactions

We also address the root causes—whether that’s trauma, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, or lifestyle strain. Our individualized support goes beyond band-aid solutions.

A Whole-Person Approach to Mental Wellness

If you feel like your nervous system is on edge, your hormones are “off,” or your mood doesn’t match your life circumstances—you’re not broken. You’re likely out of rhythm. And we can help.

Are you ready to explore your stress-hormone connection? Ask about our HPA axis testing at your next visit or email us at frontdesk@bellemedicalak.com.

To your resilience, Brianna Clendenin, APRN Belle Medical, LLC