Endocrine System, Stress 101
By Dr. Joy Borkin

Living and experiencing are the ultimate classroom environment for learning. An accumulation of head knowledge on diverse subjects results. For instance, almost everyone knows where the battery in their car is, but they don't as often know the specific structures in their body, i.e., organs and glands which are similar to car parts like batteries, alternators, spark plugs, etc. Through trial and error we have learned a good deal about our personal vehicles- our bodies. Science has taken us a bit further; we are learning more every day. Some previously obscure bodily systems are now being examined from a naturopathic vantage, revealing quite interesting phenomena and some rather predictable bodily responses. The Endocrine system is important-with eight hormonal 'supervisors' running what is comparable to a huge factory with trillions of workers-all performing for the good of the body. This system produces hormones governing communication between the body and the brain. 

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Endocrine System Organs are the ovaries, (in men, the testes), adrenals, pancreatic islets, thyroid, parathyroid, pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus (a part of the nervous system.) The Endocrine System regulates the body's major processes: reproduction, growth and development, cellular metabolism and energy, blood balance of nutrients, electrolytes and water and the mobilization of body defense against stressors that cause wear and tear on the body's physical and mental resources.

Endocrine problems, regardless of the specific gland involved, may be the result of STRESS. Simply put, stress is the sum total of all mental and physical input over a given period of time. It's not how long you are on the planet, it is the amount of baggage you accumulate. The marker used to measure stress is the adrenal steroid hormone, cortisol. It is easy to understand how physical and emotional stress can be at the core of most dysfunctions. Hormones are a powerful influence over all physical, intellectual and emotional behavior. Problems with weight, memory, sleep, digestion, blood pressure, high cholesterol, cravings, addictions, sexual dysfunction, and especially problems associated with the immune system, are all influenced by the Endocrine system. Endocrine problems lead to a wide spectrum of health issues, which in most cases can be reversed.

SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION
The first stage (adrenal adaptation) begins when the adrenals attempt to increase production of the stress hormones. The adrenals enlarge and increase their output. The following are some of the symptoms of this phase: Digestive problems, inability to calm down, increased serum cholesterol, severe weight gain or loss, prostatitis, menstrual problems, sleep disturbances, diarrhea, decrease in sexual arousal.

The second stage (adrenal maladaption) begins the reduction in the adrenal glands production and all the functions of the endocrine system begin to slow down. The following are some of the systems of this phase: chronic fatigue syndrome, loss of libido, impotence, bloating and fluid retention, constipation, male or female hair loss, bone loss, increased urination, low back or sciatic pain.

The third stage (adrenal exhaustion) is the final phase before adrenal failure-when all the systems fail and life is threatened. The following are some of the symptoms of this phase: Fibromyalgia, chronic nonspecific pain, heart arrhythmia, severe constipation, panic attacks or anxiety, bile reflux and digestive problems, depression and mental frustration, memory loss, inability to think, inflammation, joint pain.

TAKE ACTION
Adrenal glands under stress need to be treated to survive. For example, "Hypoglycemia" is a symptom of adrenal dysfunction. In the past, we have been told to eat a high protein diet and to eat something every couple of hours. This is incorrect…again, treat the cause, not the symptom. 

Learn relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, etc. Reschedule time to continue with your hobbies. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is a must. Visit with people, stop and smell the flowers. Nutritional logs help evaluate eating habits and digestive tract results. Journal about your habits and thoughts on health for a week…then review and take action.

Treatment is a must, with attention to diet, natural hormone replacement, mineral and vitamin therapy. Structure determines function; therefore chiropractic adjustments are important. 
Saliva testing is the best diagnostic tool we have today. When you do one sample, you know what is going on in the body at that moment. It is like a snapshot in time. Saliva testing is best done six times in a twenty-four hour period. This gives you the equivalent of a video. Hormones tested are Cortisol, DHEA, Melatonin, Testosterone, Progesterone and Estradiol. The practitioner then has a good reference to begin evaluation and treatment.

Restoration of Endocrine System parameters to a functional balance should result in (a reduction of biological age) a positive reversal of the aging process with the likelihood of a healthy extended life span. §

Joy Borkin is a practicing chiropractor. Semi-retired and working on her endocrine system research, at 75, she sets an excellent example of happy, productive longevity. She is an associate of the Foundation for the Advancement of Endocrine Research. She earned her Masters in Bio-Chemistry and went into practice in nutritional therapy for 10 years in Beverly Hills, CA, then relocating to Las Vegas to practice for 23 years, 702-641-3008.