Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a common term used today to describe a host of symptoms that relate to physical and mental tiredness, aka. fatigue. Overall, adrenal fatigue is referenced as a ‘catch all’ term for anyone not experiencing full vitality with respects to how they feel. The list of signs and symptoms related to adrenal fatigue are extensive, but here is a short list:

• Chronic allergies
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Chronically “sick”
• Depression, anxious
• Dizziness upon standing
• Dry and thin skin
• Excessive hunger
• Hair loss
• Chronic inflammation, i.e. joints, skin
• Low blood pressure
• Low body temperature
• Low sex drive
• Mood swings
• Poor concentration and memory
• Chronic shoulder pain
• Sleep problems
• Thyroid problems

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

Although, not everyone on this list can be specifically attributed to adrenal fatigue, the vast majority of those signs and symptoms are commonly observed in people who eventually are diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, as well as have their adrenal fatigue (and corresponding issues) resolved. Adrenal fatigue, is also called adrenal exhaustion, and normally comes about from months or years of chronic stress. The stress hormone from the brain called ACTH signals to the adrenal glands to output cortisol and DHEA, and overtime these hormone signals begin to diminish which negatively impacts the bodies ability to maintain energy. Also, with adrenal fatigue other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid are impacted as well. Imbalances in these hormones leads to their own negative consequences.

Adrenal Fatigue & Mental Health

Adrenal fatigue is often linked to mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression are commonly seen in individuals with adrenal fatigue as cortisol and DHEA not only have a positive function on physical health, but mental and emotional health as well. Adrenal fatigue is a leading cause of chronic fatigue too, and anyone dealing with these issues listed above should absolutely undergo adrenal hormone testing to evaluate the status of cortisol and DHEA production.

Adrenal Fatigue Testing

One of the most effective ways of testing for adrenal hormone output is through salivary adrenal hormone production. This is preferable over blood testing in many cases as the saliva can be collected at various times throughout the day and is more representative of total daily output versus a one time blood draw for cortisol which is normally the practice in traditional medicine. In doing the salivary testing the overall values of cortisol, as well as its relationship to DHEA can be measured to determine the extent of adrenal fatigue. This can then be followed with specific nutritional supplementation, and medication (if needed), to help resolve the adrenal fatigue problem.

Recommended Tests:

Recommended: Lab Tests