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HPA Axis

HPA Axis

Prior to running a DUTCH test, it is recommended to stop adrenal support supplements?

Dr. Amy Nett: Yeah, I probably would to get an idea of what’s going on with the adrenals. For how...

In a previous Q&A, you were looking at hormone results—I’m not sure if it was DUTCH or not—and you talked about it not quite being a profile for estrogen dominance. Can you explain what profile you would see for that? Do you always test for that, or do you ever make assumptions?

Dr. Amy Nett: It probably was information uploaded from a DUTCH profile. Yeah, I don’t remember exactly either. As...

The client is a young woman with amenorrhea that hasn’t responded to dietary and lifestyle changes. Her gynecologist has advised her to start taking hormonal birth control to regain her period, but since she reacts very sensitively to hormones—bad PMDD, migraines with aura—she hasn’t followed that recommendation. She has a history of anorexia nervosa, anxiety, hypersensitivity, and depression. She is now at an acceptable weight and has been taking anticonvulsants for atypical trigeminal neuralgia for three years with a bad flare-up last summer that has left her virtually incapable of living a normal life. With that kind of health history and current vitamin D deficiency, I’m adamant about taking steps to prevent osteoporosis and restore hormone balance, but unsure about where to start. Any ideas or recommendations?

Chris Kresser: This sounds like a tricky case. With hormone stuff, I would definitely look at gut health, and I...

What specific diet recommendations do you have for a person with HPA axis dysfunction? I know small, frequent meals; high enough carbs; no caffeine, alcohol, or sugars; but is there anything else I’m specifically missing? Any specific supplements you would use? This person is struggling with waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. daily for the last several months, but really off and on for years. She has tried eating a small amount of carbs before bed, and this has not helped.

Laura Schoenfeld: This is kind of a … I don’t want to say a complicated question, it’s not that complicated,...

What types of shampoos/skincare do you use and recommend for dandruff?

Chris Kresser: Dandruff, I think, is an inflammatory symptom. It’s a symptom of inflammation. It’s dryness, of course, but what’s...

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