Re: HPA Axis & Stress (longterm - please read)

I actually went in for a cortisol 9am blood test this morning. They are measuring my b12, estradiol, TSH (again), TPO antibodies (for thyroid), T3, T4 (again) + whatever relates to something called a FBC + Diff test. So the results will be back from that in the few days.

Hopefully the results will display ACTH levels (not sure if they've tested that before).

As far as cykotines go I've not got much info, or I'm not sure what info I've got, I should say.. would that be from a T1, T2 test ?? I'm not sure I've got that tested either.

Good article on cykotines:

http://www.raysahelian.com/cytokines.html

Good article on environmental stress:

http://www.praxis-landgraf.de/2012/02/environmental-psychology-stress-stressors-and-its-management/

I've read that a combination of different stressors can cause gene mutations and also that some new studies have suggested the body has the ability to switch certain genes on and off as an adaption strategy.

Do you mind me asking a few things about the stress you mention?:

1) how do you define stress?

2) what is your sleep (circadian rhytme like?) How has it been in the past, how has it been now? I'd be interested to know your sleep routine, and whether you have trouble getting to sleep, or trouble staying asleep? Is there a routine at all ??