Adrenal Function in Mild Depression

Adrenal hormones are involved in cognitive function, mood and mental states in complex ways, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function is typically affected during depression.* Stress with high cortisol and DHEAS have been associated with anxiety and depression, but people going through adrenal fatigue and concomitant low cortisol/low DHEAS have been observed clinically to often also experience mild depression, brain fog, difficulty concentrating and less acute memory recall.* They generally feel less tolerant than they normally would and are more easily frustrated.* This may be exacerbated by the tendency for high and low nighttime cortisol to disrupt restful sleep.*

Decreased stamina and pronounced morning fatigue may be a clue that there could be a low adrenal function component contributing to depression.* A saliva cortisol/DHEAS test that measures these adrenal hormones at four different times in the day can help determine whether adrenal function is a contributing factor in depression. If adrenal function is low during depression, providing adequate support for healthy adrenal function can help promote vitality and a positive outlook.*