HPV and STRESS

It is estimated that 75% of all sexually active women have been exposed to human papilloma virus (HPV) at some point in their lives. Although this infection can be cleared over time, common HPV subtypes can lead to cervical cancer. The overall health of our immune system is a good indicator of potential disease resolution or progressive cervical dysplasia.

It is well known among naturopathic physicians that stress, diet, exercise and overall lifestyle patterns can immensely affect the health of our immune system. New research conducted by Fang et al., looked at perceived daily life stressors among women and its effect on HPV resolution. A total of 74 women were questioned with regard to their daily life stressors, and those with more perceived daily stress were linked to lowered immune responses to HPV. Interestingly, there was no association found with regard to immune response to HPV and a single major stressful event.

Naturopaths believe that chronic stress can have adverse affects on the digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and endocrine systems in addition to the immune system. It is also notable that women who have an abnormal pap do not necessarily need to resort to cryotherapy or LEEP procedures, as HPV can be cleared through natural therapies. At ALETRIS, we provide comprehensive medical testing, naturopathy and acupuncture to clear HPV, bring balance to the body and alleviate the response to daily stress.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

ADRENAL FATIGUE & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A recent article in The New York Times newspaper reports findings from a study in The Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Researchers measured morning cortisol levels in male and female test subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and in subjects without CFS. Although cortisol levels were unremarkable across the male subjects, the female subjects with CFS were found to have lower levels of cortisol than those without CFS.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that becomes elevated in individuals with acute stress. Cortisol elevates blood sugar levels, raises blood pressure, and suppresses the immune system to help the body cope with stress.

After prolonged periods of stress, however, the adrenal gland fatigues and is unable to produce enough cortisol. Individuals with low cortisol levels are said to have “adrenal fatigue.” Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include blood sugar dysregulation and hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, allergies, asthma, autoimmune disease and fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is one cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.

From a naturopathic perspective, having the right amount of cortisol is necessary for optimum health. At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we measure cortisol levels in patients, especially those with general fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome. Our treatment strategies are focused on restoring healthy cortisol levels and include nutriceuticals, botanical medicine, acupuncture, and natural hormone therapy.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.