Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands become unable to meet the stress demands on the body. It can be caused by chronic stress, a serious illness, or by an intensely stressful event. The adrenal glands are directly wired to the nervous system, and they respond nearly instantaneously to any kind of stress.

When the adrenals become fatigued, they are no longer able to make adequate levels of the ‘stress’ hormones that it normally makes. When a person has adrenal fatigue, they become fatigued to the point that a good night’s sleep doesn’t restore their energy. They cannot function without large amounts of sugar and caffeine – these are needed to get them moving in the morning, and to keep them awake the rest of the day.

Hallmark signs include exercise intolerance, overwhelming fatigue, intense sugar cravings, and non-restorative sleep.

Diagnosis

A lot of people are affected by adrenal fatigue. It is however, grossly under diagnosed, especially by conventional medicine. Adrenal fatigue is difficult to diagnose with standard blood tests; however a properly trained doctor looking for the right signs and symptoms can help make the diagnosis.

Testing cortisol and DHEA hormone levels are an important first step; you can test these hormones yourself at home using a convenient Saliva Test. 

Common Signs and symptoms

• Weight gain, especially around the waist and stomach
• Exhausted despite plenty of sleep
• Frequent wakening at night; poor sleep
• Inability to recover from exercise
• Frequent illness, especially respiratory infections
• Inability to cope with stress; completely ‘wiped out’ after a stressful situation
• Foggy brain
• Dizziness when standing up
• “Tired, but wired” in the late evenings (sleepy but can’t fall asleep)
• Must have coffee or sugar to get moving in the morning

Support 

Our cornerstone recommendations include:

• B complex + adrenal adaptogens: Adaptogenic botanicals along with certain B vitamins support adrenal function and improve one’s ability to tolerate stress.
  
  
• Vitamin C: Supports adrenal hormone production. The adrenals contain the highest concentration of vitamin C in the entire body.
  
  
• Rhodiola: Is excellent for supporting adrenal function and boosting energy levels.
  
  
• DHEA: DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands, and output becomes drastically reduced from adrenal stress. Supplementing with DHEA allows the adrenals to rest during recovery.

Recovering from adrenal fatigue takes time and adherence to a supportive regimen, as above. If you are interested, you can read more in a detailed paper about Adrenal Fatigue.