Do you immediately reach for coffee in the morning just to feel human or have afternoon crashes by 2 PM? This episode is for you.

Today in The Wellness Effect, we're diving into adrenal fatigue—or more accurately, HPA axis dysregulation—and why that exhausting cycle isn't just "normal adulting." We'll unpack what's actually happening when your stress system's alarm has been blaring for so long that the batteries finally died.

Whether you're stuck in the "tired but wired" cycle, convinced you just need more willpower, or wondering why every small inconvenience feels like a major catastrophe, this conversation will completely shift how you understand energy, stress, and what your body actually needs to function.

In this episode, you'll hear:

[00:33] - The real signs you're dealing with adrenal fatigue beyond just feeling tired

[20:36] - What your adrenals actually do and the critical hormones they produce

[23:40] - The stages of HPA axis dysfunction: from high cortisol to completely bottomed out

[25:13] - How adrenal dysfunction affects your thyroid, sex hormones, blood sugar, and immune system

[28:40] - What quitting caffeine reveals about your adrenal health

[31:05] - What the HTMA test reveals about adrenal function through mineral patterns

[32:30] - The exhaustive symptom checklist

[37:13] - Nutrition fixes: why undereating and skipping breakfast destroy your adrenals

[41:11] - Sleep requirements for women. Seven hours isn't enough!

[43:18] - When training is destroying your adrenals

[43:52] - Stage four HPA axis dysfunction: when rest is the only cure

[46:26] - Supplement supports: magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and adaptogens

[50:57] - The productivity mindset shift: reframing what "productive" actually means

Key Takeaways:

• Your adrenals produce critical hormones including cortisol, adrenaline, DHEA, and more—they regulate stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, immune function, and sex hormones
• HPA axis dysregulation happens in stages: you start with high cortisol from chronic stress, then eventually your body can't keep up and cortisol crashes—that's when you really feel the exhaustion
• Rest isn't lazy, it's the most productive thing you can do for long-term health—schedule it like an appointment and don't miss it

Want more from us?

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@wellnesseffectpod

Lacey Iskra - @laceeiskk

Jensen - @wellnesswjensen

Kira Iskra - @kiraiskk

Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply

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