Is Adrenal Dysfunction Behind Your Weight Gain? with Marcelle Pick
Oct 25, 2023
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Marcelle Pick, OB-GYN nurse practitioner, discusses adrenal dysfunction, its symptoms, testing, and stressors. They address the impact of adrenal dysfunction on weight gain and the importance of self-care. The significance of ACE scores in predicting addiction and addressing past experiences is explored. The importance of adrenal health for hormone balance during perimenopause and menopause is discussed. The chapter highlights considering individual differences in diets and exercise for optimal health.
Adrenal dysfunction can affect weight and overall health by disrupting hormone production and balance.
Achieving hormonal balance and optimal health requires a personalized approach, considering factors like diet, stress, gut health, and individual needs.
Deep dives
Understanding Adrenal Dysfunction and Its Impact on Weight
Adrenal dysfunction can have a significant impact on weight and overall health. The adrenals, walnut-sized glands on top of the kidneys, help the body cope with stress by producing cortisol. Prolonged or excessive stress can lead to an imbalance in cortisol production, which affects the conversion of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. This hormonal dysregulation can cause issues such as PMS, menopause symptoms, thyroid problems, and more. Adrenal dysfunction can manifest in different ways, such as feeling wired and tired or having fluctuating energy levels throughout the day. Testing cortisol levels through saliva can help identify these imbalances. Addressing adrenal dysfunction involves adopting a healthy diet, avoiding stress triggers, supporting the gut microbiome, and seeking assistance from functional medicine practitioners.
Personalized Approach to Well-being and Hormones
Achieving optimal health and hormonal balance requires a personalized approach. Each person's body and needs are unique, so what works for one individual may not work for another. Factors like diet, stress, and gut health play crucial roles in overall well-being and hormonal regulation. It is important to identify which foods work best for the body and address any gut microbiome imbalances. Additionally, it is essential to listen to the body's signals and make self-care a priority. Understanding one's stress levels and emotional history can also be insightful when seeking solutions for hormonal imbalances. Various resources, such as functional medicine practitioners or books on hormones, can provide guidance in developing personalized strategies for well-being.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction
Adrenal dysfunction can present itself through various symptoms. Some common signs include difficulty falling asleep or waking up exhausted, afternoon fatigue, low stamina, mental fog, recurring headaches, and new food sensitivities. Emotional factors, such as increased road rage or exaggerated reactions to stressful situations, can also indicate adrenal dysfunction. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and recognize the impact of historical stress on the body. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire is a valuable tool for evaluating the effects of childhood trauma on health. Addressing and resolving these underlying issues can be critical in restoring adrenal health and overall well-being.
Finding Support and Resources for Adrenal Health
Seeking assistance from functional medicine practitioners is recommended for individuals experiencing adrenal dysfunction. Institutes like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) provide directories and resources to help find certified practitioners. However, the availability of functional medicine doctors may vary, and some may not accept insurance. Another option is to utilize testing services provided by organizations like Life Extension or YourLabwork. These options allow individuals to take control of their health and get tested for adrenal imbalances. Additionally, educational resources such as books like 'The Core Balance Diet' and 'Is It Me or My Hormones?' by Marcel Pick offer in-depth insights into adrenal health and overall hormone balance.
Most nights, you can’t fall asleep easily, but even when you do sleep well, you feel exhausted. You’re noticing more brain fog, weight gain, sugar cravings, headaches, and food reactions. Or maybe you feel tired and wired at the same time.
If you relate, you do not want to miss this episode. I’m joined by Marcelle Pick, OB-GYN nurse practitioner and the co-founder of Women to Women Clinic, for a powerful conversation about adrenal dysfunction, hormones, and your health.
We’re going to help you understand the symptoms of adrenal dysfunction, how to test for it, and what to do about it. Just as importantly, we’re talking about hidden stressors—and how even your good habits could be exhausting your adrenals. FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/marcelle