Stage 1 - Alarm Reaction

The stress hormone adrenalin (epinephrine) is released by the adrenal glands. It instructs the body to increase heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen intake ready for fight or flight. This response can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. After this adrenalin levels drop and cortisol levels rise.

Stage 2 - Stage of Resistance

Your body can continue to fight a stressor long after the fight or flight response has worn off. This is possible largely due to the presence of cortisol. In chronic stress situations, cortisol allows you to 'cope'. However, prolonged stress can overwork the adrenal glands, increasing the risk of stress-related disease.

Stage 3 - Stage of Exhaustion

Cortisol levels become depleted due to the partial or total loss of function in the adrenal glands. The glands are 'exhausted'.As a result your body becomes weak and fatigued, low energy becomes the norm.

Stage 4 - Recovery Phase

Changes in lifestyle, diet and attitude have been shown to make a significant difference to stress levels*. Re-evaluating and re-prioritising your lifestyle then making changes (this is challenging!) are positive ways to manage and reduce stress.

Stages of Stress - General Adaptation Syndrome

* "Adrenal Fatigue - The 21st Century Stress Syndrome." J Wilson, 2000, Smart Publications

The chart shows how animals react to stress - whether it be attack from a sabretoothed tiger, response to an internal infection, an impossible work deadline or simply trying to get three children to school on time!
In each case the physiological reaction is the same.

Selye* observed chronic stress and defined four stages that have different hormonal effects measurable by blood or saliva test. Many U.S physicians agree that the saliva test is a useful diagnostic tool to establish how well the adrenals glands are working. We advise you to take this test via a qualified Practitioner who can assess the results.

Knowing which stage of stress you're in can help you decide how to start your journey towards recovery.