The Silent Epidemic Created by the Harvey Flood
(Originally written after Houston was devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.)
Hurricane Harvey left a lasting mark on Houston—not just in its physical destruction but in the silent health crisis that followed. Many survivors faced overwhelming stress that didn’t just fade when the floodwaters receded. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, forgetful, or emotionally unstable, you’re not alone. You may be experiencing a condition called Acute Stress-Induced Adrenal Fatigue.
The Symptoms of Post-Flood Adrenal Fatigue
- Fatigue: Low energy levels, even after getting 8-10 hours of sleep.
- Brain Fog: Trouble concentrating and completing tasks.
- Memory Loss: Forgetting things you normally wouldn’t.
- Frustration: Increased irritability and mood swings over minor issues.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep; waking up at 3-4 AM for 45 minutes before falling back asleep.
- Emotional Instability: Feeling fine one moment and suddenly bursting into tears.
- Depression: Prolonged symptoms can lead to deep sadness and lack of motivation.
The Diagnosis: Adrenal Fatigue and Chronic Stress
Your adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and neurotransmitters that help the body cope with stress. But when stress is extreme or unrelenting—like living through and recovering from a natural disaster—these glands become overworked, leading to Adrenal Fatigue. This can throw off vital hormone levels and disrupt essential functions in your body.
A simple at-home saliva test can measure imbalances in:
- Cortisol & DHEA: The primary stress hormones.
- Estrogen & Progesterone: Affecting mood, sleep, and energy.
- Testosterone & Dihydrotestosterone: Impacting motivation and emotional stability.
- Melatonin: Controlling sleep cycles.
Research has linked chronic stress with long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease and immune suppression (source).
The Treatment: Rebuilding Your Health
Just as many in our community are rebuilding their homes, your health needs a rebuilding plan too. Once we identify your specific imbalances, we can use targeted prohormones and nutraceuticals to restore adrenal function and rebalance hormones.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Get Tested: An adrenal function test can pinpoint your hormone imbalances.
- Support Recovery with Nutrients: Supplements like vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and adaptogenic herbs (such as ashwagandha and rhodiola) can help restore balance (source).
- Prioritize Rest & Stress Reduction: Mindfulness, deep breathing, and proper sleep hygiene play a critical role in adrenal recovery.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been struggling with unexplained fatigue, mood swings, and mental fog since Hurricane Harvey, it may not just be stress—it could be adrenal fatigue. With proper diagnosis and personalized therapy, you can rebuild your health and regain your energy.
Need to get tested? Reach out today to start your recovery journey.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
Dr. Charles Campbell
📞 (281) 772-3451
🌐 www.campbellfunctionalmedicine.com
Serving Kingwood, Texas, and surrounding areas since 1993.
Now, we also serve patients in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas.