When you're constantly under stress or dealing with unresolved trauma, it's like you're revving the engine non-stop. At first, your body kicks into high gear, pumping out cortisol to help you cope. But over time, this constant state of alert takes its toll. Your body's natural stress-management system, the HPA axis, starts to falter. It's like the control center is sending out confused signals, and your cells begin to tune out the stress hormones they once responded to. You might feel wired but tired, or just plain exhausted. Your immune system takes a hit, your sleep gets messed up, and you might even notice changes in your appetite or weight. It's not just in your head – chronic stress can literally change how your genes express themselves, altering your body's responses at a fundamental level. The tricky part is, these changes can snowball, affecting everything from your metabolism to your mood. It's a lot to take in, but understanding this process is the first step in reclaiming your health and vitality.
Recent studies have revealed a significant connection between childhood trauma and the development of adrenal fatigue in adulthood. This unexpected link highlights how our early life experiences can have long-lasting effects on our physical and emotional well-being.
Unresolved Trauma and Adrenal Fatigue
Have you ever felt like your body is constantly in a state of high alert, even when there's no immediate threat? The culprit could be the deeply intertwined relationship between unresolved trauma and adrenal fatigue.
When traumatic experiences, whether from childhood or adulthood, remain unprocessed, they can hijack your body's stress response system, causing your adrenal glands to work overtime in a futile attempt to maintain homeostasis. Over time, this chronic stress can lead to a depletion of vital hormones, triggering a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms that can feel impossible to overcome.
One study, for example, found that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had lower cortisol levels and higher rates of adrenal fatigue compared to individuals without PTSD.
Other research has shown that chronic stress and trauma can have a significant impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body's stress response system. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of this system, leading to a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
In my healing practice, I focus on directly addressing the root causes of adrenal fatigue. This usually lies in early childhood trauma, including in utero and birth trauma that has wired your nervous system to keep you in high levels of stress. I also do healing work directly on your kidneys and adrenal glands. The work is done deeply and immediately and clients usually notice an immediate improvement. To find out more please book a call with me.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands are overworked and unable to produce enough cortisol and other hormones.
Some of the most common signs of adrenal fatigue include:
Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
Lower pack tension, stiffness, density or pain
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
Feeling drained even after having slept
Craving salty and sweet foods
Feeling overwhelmed by even small tasks
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Low libido and difficulty with orgasm
Poor sleep quality or difficulty falling asleep
Weight gain, especially around the midsection
Mood swings and irritability
Anxiety and depression
Reduced resilience (ability to handle stress)
Muscle weakness and joint pain
Digestive issues, such as bloating and constipation
Increased susceptibility to illness and infections
Decreased tolerance for cold temperatures
Dry and thinning skin
Hair loss and thinning
Irregular menstrual cycles or missed periods
High blood pressure
Reduced immune function and frequent infections.
Childhood Trauma and Adrenal Fatigue
Childhood trauma has been linked to a range of physical and emotional health problems, including nervous system dysfunction and adrenal fatigue in adulthood. Research has shown that childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on the HPA axis, which regulates the body's stress response system and the production of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to a blunted cortisol responses to stress.
Studies have found that adults who experienced childhood trauma including emotional neglect are more likely to experience dysregulation of the HPA axis (blunting of reactivity) and cortisol production.
Childhood trauma can also lead to dysregulation of other hormones in the body, such as thyroid hormones and sex hormones, which can contribute to adrenal fatigue. For example, a study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that individuals with a history of childhood trauma were more likely to have hypothyroidism, a common cause of adrenal fatigue.
In addition, childhood trauma can contribute to chronic stress and inflammation in the body, which can further disrupt adrenal function and lead to adrenal fatigue. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that individuals with a history of childhood trauma were more likely to have elevated markers of inflammation in their blood, indicating chronic inflammation.
The Research Shows A Link Between Childhood Trauma and Adult Adrenal Fatigue
Most people struggling with adrenal fatigue are unaware of the deeper-rooted origins of their symptoms and tend to attribute it to a single event, work stress or burnt out.
Emerging research, however, sheds light on the link between the traumas we experience in childhood, and even those passed down through our ancestral lineages, to the development of adrenal fatigue.
For example, studies have revealed that trauma in childhood can lead to HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis dysfunction, marked by elevated cortisol levels and disrupted circadian rhythms. This lies at the very heart of adrenal fatigue. Like a relentless cascade, these imbalances cause the adrenal glands to work overtime in a futile attempt to maintain homeostasis.
But the story doesn't end there. The impacts of these early life and ancestral traumas can linger well into adulthood, manifesting in a wide array of physical and mental health challenges, from chronic fatigue and depression to autoimmune disorders and chronic pain. By recognizing this deep-rooted connection, we can begin to unravel the underlying traumas and fears trapped in the nervous system that are unconscious and unhealed and embark on a transformative journey of recovering life force, health and vitality.
Here are some studies that have explored this relationship:
"The relationship between childhood trauma and diurnal cortisol secretion in adulthood: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (Carpenter et al., 2011) - This study found that individuals who had experienced childhood trauma had elevated cortisol levels and altered cortisol rhythms in adulthood, indicating disrupted HPA axis function.
"Childhood maltreatment and HPA axis dysregulation: relationship to major depressive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder in females" (Heim et al., 2000) - This study found that women who had experienced childhood trauma had greater cortisol responses to stress and blunted cortisol rhythms, indicating HPA axis dysregulation.
"Childhood trauma and chronic fatigue syndrome" (Heim et al., 2006) - This study found that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome who had experienced childhood trauma had greater cortisol responses to stress and altered cortisol rhythms, indicating HPA axis dysregulation.
Adrenal Fatigue and Premature Hair Loss
Premature hair loss, shedding and balding occurs for 50% of individuals with adrenal fatigue (source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology). This can be really disturbing and scary and affect your body perception, your sense of self worth and your social confidence. It can also lead to OCD and other unhealthy habits that further stress the nervous system.
Adrenal fatigue can lead to hair loss because elevated cortisol levels disrupt your hair growth cycle, triggering excessive shedding and also inhibiting the regeneration of new, healthy strands. Because your nervous system is in survival mode, it is literally trying to survive and not to grow, therefore the last priority is your hair because so much of your body's resources are going into trying to regulate your stress levels and hormones.
Nutrient depletion and immune system dysregulation is also common and it can be confusing when you're exhausted, losing your hair, putting on weight, unable to either sleep or socialise and then struggling with digestive issues and illnesses caused by a weakened immune system.
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Adrenal Fatigue and Fertility
A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that women with high levels of stress were more likely to experience infertility compared to women with lower levels of stress.
Additionally, a review of studies published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology found that chronic stress and dysregulation of the stress response system can disrupt the balance of sex hormones and other hormones involved in reproductive health.
How does this happen?
The adrenal glands produce several hormones that play a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility, including cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline.
Chronic stress and adrenal fatigue can dysregulate the production of these hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and other fertility issues. A study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that women with adrenal dysfunction, including adrenal fatigue, were more likely to experience infertility and menstrual cycle irregularities.
In women, cortisol and DHEA can also compete with estrogen and progesterone, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of these hormones and affecting fertility.
Adrenal fatigue can disrupt the balance of other hormones in the body that are important for fertility, such as thyroid hormones and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Hypothyroidism, which can be caused by adrenal dysfunction, is a common cause of infertility.
You Can Heal Adrenal Fatigue Naturally!
The key to overcoming the debilitating effects of adrenal fatigue lies not merely in managing the symptoms, but in addressing the deep-rooted, traumatic experiences that have shaped your nervous system's response to stress. These wounds can stretch back to the formative years of your childhood, or even be rooted in the unresolved traumas of your ancestral lineage – patterns of behavior and emotional programming that have become woven into the very fabric of your identity.
Far too often, the triggers for adrenal dysfunction are deceptively innocuous: a major life event, such as a surgical procedure, the stress of a demanding job or financial uncertainty, the grief of losing a loved one, or the emotional turmoil of a relationship breakdown. While these occurrences may seem like isolated incidents, they have the power to strike a resounding chord within the subconscious, reawakening the nervous system's ancient survival mechanisms. Trapped in a perpetual state of fight-or-flight, your body's delicate hormonal balance is thrown into disarray, setting the stage for the telltale symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
But the path to healing is not an easy one. Unraveling these deep-seated traumas requires a willingness to confront the shadows of your past, to peel back the layers of conditioning and false beliefs that have shaped your experience of the world. Other tips:
Slow down, reduce immediate stress: Chronic stress is a major contributor to adrenal fatigue, so finding ways to reduce stress in your life is crucial. This may include practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet that's rich in whole foods can help support adrenal function and reduce inflammation in the body. Focus on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and avoid processed or high-sugar foods.
Go to sleep earlier: Adequate sleep is essential for adrenal health, so prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. This may involve creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
Take supportive supplements: Certain supplements, like B vitamins, magnesium, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola, may be helpful in supporting adrenal health and reducing symptoms of adrenal fatigue. It's important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the right supplements and dosages for your individual needs.
Cut out all alcohol and rugs: Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, and practicing good self-care can all be effective in reducing symptoms of adrenal fatigue and supporting overall adrenal health.
Heal your nervous system in a 1:1 programme: Adrenal fatigue is closely linked to nervous system dysfunction, so finding ways to support the nervous system can be helpful in reducing symptoms. This may include practices like meditation, breathwork, somatic integration, and organ healing.
Free your body from childhood trauma: Childhood trauma or emotional wounds can contribute to adrenal fatigue by dysregulating the stress response system. Finding ways to release and heal these emotions can be helpful in reducing symptoms of adrenal fatigue. This may involve practices like inner child integration and journaling. Click here to start your healing journey with an indepth consultation, whereever you are in the world.
What My Clients Say
"I came to see Safa after repeated physical and sexual trauma and a subsequent diagnosis of PTSD. I was stuck, in immense stress and depressed. I felt like I had hit a wall with no way around and this was a life I just had to make do with. I was experiencing brain fog, migraines, was locked and paralysed in my body and couldn't sleep. I was having trauma flashbacks and emotional memories were replaying on a mental loop. I was dissociated, disconnected and spiritually lost. I was really struggling.
After just 6 weeks I now have a wonderful connection with my body. I feel safe in my body now, rather than just in momentary experiences. It's been utterly beautiful coming to know my heart, my womb, and my inner child. These connections now feel embedded and at home. It's like a door has opened to a tender and caring new relationship with myself! Womb work was a whole new revelation and my relationship here is my gateway to empowerment. I am now embarking on a new journey within myself with fascination. I feel my potential has been unlocked and I am unravelling new ways of being. Throughout the programme I was held and supported in all my entirety. Kimiya Healing was an incredibly valuable and precious experience for me.
I now feel stronger with this inner trust with the ability to ride the storm. I feel the sessions have really embedded peace, trust, and knowing in my entire being."
-Caroline, UK
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"I came to see Safa after having a stroke and I was struggling with my rehabilitation and progress..I was recovering from a serious car injury, had a history of illnesses, many layers of exhaustion and burn out and partial paralysis down the right side of my body. In just six weeks I felt big changes happening in my body. These started in just the first session and were even more evident in my later sessions. As a result of this healing programme, my mobility and energy levels have improved. I now feel stable and strong in my body. I even started to put on muscle again and exercise!Healing with Safa was definitely the missing piece in my recovery journey! "
-Gerald, Norway
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I had years of brain fog, tremors, insomnia, exhaustion, tension in my head that was affecting my vision and my memory. Physically, my head went from feeling heavy and thick to far less heavy and thick.Emotionally, I've become more curious about my own emotions and started paying attention to them instead of dismissing or stuffing them away which had become an automatic defence mechanism.Spiritually, I discovered that a lot of what I thought was just random stuff in my head was actually my real intuition and knowing.I learned how to feel into my physical pain and understand it rather than trying not to feel it.I also learned to more firmly assert my boundaries non-apologetically, in places I normally wouldn't be able to. I've learned to speak up about what I want more often, and also not feel so bad about it.I've learned to sometimes actively embody this place/access the frequency of really not caring if people think I'm careless, selfish, self-absorbed, unrefined, graceless...I gained a deeper level of appreciation for babies. I learned to free-bleed. I learned to communicate with my body and my organs, making me appreciate them at another level! I've also become more energy-aware.
-Aisha, Dubai
Somatic Healing Practices For Adrenal Fatigue
20 min grounding practice
13 min body scan
Recognising unhealed trauma
Healing Practice - Soothe Your Inner Child & Regulate Your Nervous System -
Morning practice for focus
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If you're ready to heal the root causes of your adrenal fatigue and reclaim your health, your life and your mental well being, please reach out and book a clarity call today.