Blog — Stress Response

Stress, Cortisol, and the Hormonal Loop of Anxiety When the body perceives danger, the brain activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — an internal alarm that releases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. For short-term challenges, cortisol is beneficial. It sharpens focus, boosts energy, and prepares muscles for quick action — the classic “fight or flight” response that once ensured survival. When Stress Becomes Chronic Trouble begins when stress never switches off. Prolonged cortisol exposure interferes with healthy brain function, damaging neurons in the hippocampus (responsible for memory) and the prefrontal cortex (which governs decision-making and emotional control). As these areas...

When Hormones Shape the Mind Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that quietly influence not only our bodies but also our thoughts and emotions. While neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine often get the spotlight for controlling mood, science now shows that hormones can have just as much impact on mental well-being. 1. The Emotional Swing of Oestrogen and Progesterone Women often experience emotional changes before menstruation, after childbirth, or during menopause. These phases involve major shifts in oestrogen and progesterone. Before menstruation: Falling oestrogen can lower serotonin, leading to irritability or sadness. After childbirth: A sudden hormone drop can trigger postpartum...

Discover how saliva and blood cortisol testing reveal adrenal function and help diagnose stress-related hormone imbalances like fatigue, anxiety, and burnout.

Introduction:In the realm of personalised health and wellness, diagnostic testing has become an indispensable tool for understanding the intricacies of our bodies. From neurotransmitters to hormonal balance, weight management, sleep patterns, heavy metal exposure, and beyond, testing kits have evolved to provide a detailed snapshot of our overall health. In this blog post, we delve into the specifics of standard kits focusing on saliva and speciality kits targeting neurotransmitters, weight management, sleep balance, heavy metals, urine metabolites, menstrual cycle mapping, and adrenal stress. Neurotransmitters Profile:Understanding the intricate balance of neurotransmitters in the body is crucial for mental and emotional well-being....

A complex interplay of neurochemical signals takes centre stage when it comes to stress and the body's response to it. Translating events into neurochemical signals is crucial before triggering the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which plays a pivotal role in the body's stress response. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricate connections between neurotransmitters, stress, and HPA axis dysfunction, shedding light on clinicians' challenges when evaluating patients. The Prevalence of Anxiety & Depression: Anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder (MDD) are pervasive mental health challenges affecting millions. Abnormal neurotransmitter levels, ratios, or activities are often associated with these disorders, leading...