Stress and HPA Axis: Understanding the Connection

Perhaps you've heard of the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) Axis, or maybe this sounds like something that exists in a sci-fi movie, either way, it is one of the most important systems involved in the stress response. So, understanding how the HPA axis functions, and how it can be impacted by stress is essential for addressing long-term nervous system health or stress challenges.

What is the HPA Axis?

The HPA axis is a system of glands and hormones, beginning with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that monitors stress levels. When you experience stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release hormones that, in turn, stimulate the adrenal glands to produce cortisol—often referred to as the "stress hormone." Cortisol helps your body respond to stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels, preparing you to either ‘fight, flee, freeze or fawn’.

However, while cortisol is essential in helping you deal with immediate stressors, prolonged activation of the HPA axis can lead to health problems.

Chronic Stress and the Dysregulated HPA Axis

In my own experience of having lived with extreme long-term stress, I’ve learned firsthand how easy the HPA axis can become dysregulated. Usually when the HPA Axis is dysregulated, so is your vagus nerve, and hence your nervous system. When stress is both extreme and/or prolonged, the HPA axis can become overactive. This means that the body remains in a constant state of ‘flight, fight, freeze or fawn’, even when no immediate threat is present. The result is that cortisol levels remain elevated, leading to a variety of physical and mental health issues.

Some of the common signs of an overactive HPA axis include; fatigue, difficulty concentrating, brain fog, mental cloudiness, hormonal imbalances, mood swings, irritability, heightened emotions, difficulty regulating feelings, sleep disturbances, increased anxiety, depression and persistent feelings of unease or sadness.

Over time, this chronic stress can lead to more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and even heart disease. As someone who has struggled with these challenges, I understand how difficult it can be to break free from this cycle. If you feel that your HPA Axis may be out of whack, you can test its function with a simple saliva test. This will measure your cortisol levels throughout a 24-hour period, showing you exactly how your body is dealing with stress.

By understanding how the HPA axis works, and recognising its impact on both your mental and physical health, you can start to regain control over your life and reduce the long-term impact of chronic stress. By incorporating targeted self-care stress management techniques, you can support the restoration of balance within this system.

Research: Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis

Rosanna Commisso - Founder, StressCare Solutions

Championing Workplace Wellbeing | Mental Health & Trauma Advocate

As the Founder of StressCare Solutions, my passion for helping organisations navigate the growing challenge of stress and trauma in the workplace, is personal.

With over 30-years’ experience spanning health, training and community services, and my own lived experience with mental health, burnout and trauma—I bring both professional insight and ‘lived experience’ understanding to my work.

My mission is simple: to empower organisations, and their staff, with the tools they need to recognise, manage, and reduce stress before it leads to burnout, and to implement trauma-informed practices to support their staff.

Through engaging, evidence-based workshops, impactful speaking engagements, and trauma-informed workplace support, I help teams build resilience, improve wellbeing, and thrive.

Let’s build healthier workplaces—together.

📩 rosanna@stresscare.com.au | 🌐 www.stresscare.com.au