Symptoms of HPA Axis Dysfunction

Morning fatigue is linked to insufficient morning cortisol. Sleep disturbance can present as trouble falling asleep in earlier stages and trouble staying asleep in later stages. Weight gain, especially in the midsection, is associated with dysregulated cortisol and insulin. The article associates HPA axis dysfunction with immune suppression, reduced libido, poor exercise recovery, increased pain, impaired detoxification, and thyroid dysfunction. HPA axis dysfunction is associated with carbohydrate and salt cravings.