Adrenal Hyperfunction
What Does It Mean?
Adrenal Hyperfunction occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol, often due to chronic stress, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, or adrenal tumors. This condition leads to metabolic imbalances, immune suppression, and increased cardiovascular risk.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Chronic stress leading to prolonged HPA axis activation
- Dysfunction of cortisol regulation (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal adenomas)
- High insulin levels and metabolic syndrome
- Inflammatory responses triggering cortisol overproduction
Signs & Symptoms:
- Central weight gain
- Hypertension
- Insulin resistance
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Anxiety, mood swings, or depression
- Poor wound healing
- Sleep disturbances
Diagnostic Criteria:
Patients with Adrenal Hyperfunction typically exhibit elevated cortisol and disrupted metabolic markers.
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Decreased | 10.00-16.00 mg/dL |
| Carbon Dioxide | Decreased | 25.00-30.00 mmol/L |
| Chloride | Decreased | 100.00-106.00 mmol/L |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Increased | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Cortisol Total, Serum | Increased | 11.5-15.00 µg/dL |
| DHEA Sulfate (Male) | Increased | 150.00-250.00 µg/dL |
| Free T3 : Reverse T3 Ratio | Increased | 10.00-28.00 |
| Potassium | Decreased | 4.00-4.50 mmol/L |
| Sodium | Decreased | 137.00-142.00 mmol/L |
| Sodium : Potassium Ratio | Normal | 30.00-35.00 |
| Triglycerides, Serum | Increased | 70.00-80.00 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Addressing adrenal hyperfunction requires stress modulation, HPA axis recalibration, and metabolic support.
Supplement Protocol
Supplement |
Function |
Dosage & Frequency |
Corti-Vive |
Adaptogenic botanicals that modulate cortisol levels, support stress resilience, and optimize HPA axis function. |
2 capsules with or without food, three times daily |
Vita Buff-C Caps |
Provides essential antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and supports adrenal hormone synthesis for balanced function. |
2 capsules without food, daily |
V-Pax |
Supplies mitochondrial nutrients for energy production, assists in metabolic and hormonal equilibrium, and supports overall adrenal function. |
2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
Vita B Methyl |
Supports methylation pathways critical for adrenal health and stress hormone regulation. |
1 capsule without food, daily |
Magnesium |
Plays a key role in adrenal and nervous system function, reduces stress response, and supports relaxation. |
2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Stress Management: Meditation, yoga, breathwork
- Dietary Modifications: Anti-inflammatory diet, blood sugar regulation
- Exercise Recommendations: Moderate-intensity activity to regulate cortisol