Presenter: Aviva Romm, MD, CPM
Format: Video of slides with synchronized audio

Many of the health problems women face stem from the ill effects of sustained physical and psychological stress. The frequent activation of the body’s stress response leads chronic hypervigilance, unleashing a cascade of stress hormones and other stress-mediating physiological agents. These can lead to a host of health conditions - including insulin resistance, obesity, gynecological and reproductive disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune disorders. The adaptogens are an important therapeutic category of herbs that can reduce not only stress-related symptoms, but prevent or mitigate the long-term effects of stress on the body, thus reducing our allostatic load. They are used to promote a sense of well-being, improve energy and stamina, reduce fatigue, improve immunity, enhance mental concentration, and promote hormonal balance due to their regulating effects on the HPA axis. In so doing they aid the body’s innate ability to recover balance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, these herbs are considered the Kings and Queens of the herbal tonic world. This session will place adaptogens into the context of the integrative and functional medicine treatment of various conditions which have stress physiology disruptions at their core, and which specifically impact women’s health.

Learning Objectives
- Explain the role and importance of the HPA axis and stress response in women's health and chronic illness
- Understand the concept of adaptogens and their mechanisms of action
- Identify five common herbal adaptogens, their applications, safety, and potential herb-drug interactions
- Discuss additional botanicals that can be used in conjunction with adaptogens.