Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that often includes chronic fatigue, body aches, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. It is hypothesized to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of hormones, especially cortisol.
The adrenal glands produce many vital hormones including cortisol, DHEA, and epinephrine. Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," is especially important for energy and stamina. When the adrenals are fatigued, cortisol levels may become erratic - either too high or too low at the wrong times.
Causes of Adrenal Fatigue
Experts theorize that adrenal fatigue is often triggered by high stress levels over a long period of time. Stressors may include mental, emotional, or physical challenges like a traumatic event, illness, poor diet, lack of sleep, or consistently overworking.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
There is a wide range of possible symptoms of adrenal fatigue, including:
| Physical Symptoms | Mental and Emotional Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | Anxiety |
| Low stamina | Nervousness |
| Muscle weakness | Depression |
| Joint pain | Brain fog |
| Digestive issues | Poor concentration |
| Food sensitivities | Memory loss |
| Low blood pressure | Irritability |
| Dizziness | Moodiness |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue
There are no standard lab tests for adrenal fatigue. A physician may test cortisol levels and DHEA levels over a 24-hour period to determine if the adrenal rhythm is off. Saliva tests are best for measuring fluctuating cortisol levels.
| Treatment Approach | Description |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle Changes | Reducing stress through eating a whole foods diet, exercising moderately, getting quality sleep, and reducing obligations can help restore adrenal function. |
| Herbal Support | Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, ginseng, and licorice root may provide support for adrenal function. |
| Hormone Balancing | A functional medicine doctor can develop a customized plan to balance hormones and support adrenal health. |
At Balance Clinic, our functional medicine doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating adrenal fatigue through natural hormone balancing, customized nutrition plans, targeted supplements, and stress-reducing therapies. We dig deep to find the root causes and provide a holistic treatment plan to rebalance the body and mind.
Conclusion
Adrenal fatigue can have a significant impact on quality of life, causing a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. By addressing the root causes of adrenal dysfunction through lifestyle changes, herbal support, and hormone balancing, it is possible to restore adrenal function and regain energy, vitality, and overall well-being. If you suspect you may be struggling with adrenal fatigue, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider who can develop a personalized treatment plan to support your unique needs.