What is adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands, which produce important hormones in the body, become overworked and unable to meet the demands placed on them.
Some key points about adrenal fatigue:
- Causes - adrenal fatigue can be caused by chronic stress, poor diet, sleep deprivation, infections, hormone imbalances, and other factors that tax the adrenal glands.
- Symptoms - common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anxiety, body aches, cravings for salty foods, dizziness, and more. The symptoms tend to be vague and fluctuate in severity.
- Diagnosis - there are no definitive tests to diagnose adrenal fatigue. Doctors may check cortisol and DHEA levels through saliva testing to look for abnormal patterns. But the diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms.
- Treatments - getting more rest and sleep, reducing stress, eating a nutritious diet, taking adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, and correcting any hormone imbalances can help support adrenal function. Lifestyle factors play a big role.
- Controversy - some experts argue adrenal fatigue is not a real medical condition, as there is insufficient data to confirm that the adrenal glands become exhausted. Others believe it is an early phase of adrenal insufficiency. More research is still needed.
The bottom line is that if you are experiencing ongoing fatigue, mood issues, and other vague symptoms, it may be worth getting evaluated for potential adrenal dysfunction. Identifying and addressing any underlying causes is the key to feeling better. The hormone experts at Balance Hormone Center can provide cutting-edge testing and natural treatments to help support healthy adrenal function.
Here are some more details on adrenal fatigue:
- The adrenal glands produce cortisol, DHEA, adrenaline and other hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune function, blood pressure and more.
- When overactivated for long periods due to chronic stress or poor lifestyle habits, the adrenals can become taxed and unable to adequately produce hormones.
- This "adrenal fatigue" is believed to be an early stage of adrenal insufficiency, before full blown adrenal failure/Addison's disease occurs.
- Those with adrenal fatigue often have low cortisol levels in the morning and higher levels in the evening, showing a disrupted circadian rhythm.
- In addition to fatigue, symptoms may include salt/sugar cravings, lightheadedness, irritability, anxiety, brain fog, trouble falling asleep, and more.
- While controversial, many integrative doctors believe in adrenal fatigue and treat it through restorative therapies to remove stressors, improve diet, correct hormone imbalances, and support the adrenals.
The integrative hormone experts at Balance Hormone Center provide cutting-edge saliva and bloodspot testing to get an inside look at your adrenal hormone levels. Their natural, customized protocols using adaptogens, vitamins, minerals and lifestyle changes can help nourish your adrenals back to balanced function. Get your free consultation today to uncover the root causes of your fatigue and start feeling like yourself again!