Adrenal fatigue is a condition characterized by constant fatigue and exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest. It's thought to occur when the adrenal glands cannot produce adequate amounts of cortisol and other hormones required to regulate energy, metabolism, and the body's response to stress.
Some common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Fatigue that is not relieved by sleep
- Troublegetting up in the morning, even when you go to bed at a reasonable hour
- Craving salty and sweet foods
- Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
- Irritability, depression, anxiety
- Poor immune function and getting sick easily
What causes adrenal fatigue?
Prolonged or severe
mental, emotional, or physical stress can drain the adrenal glands. Common causes include:
- Excessive worrying or anxiety
- Overwork without rest
- Insufficient sleep
- Poor diet low in nutrients
- Chronic illnesses
- Injuries
If the adrenals remain depleted for an extended time, they lose their resiliency and have difficulty springing back after each stressful event. This progressive dysfunction eventually leads to adrenal fatigue.
How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed and treated?
There is no standard medical test for adrenal fatigue. Doctors may look for related issues like
hypothyroidism or
vitamin deficiencies. They may also check
cortisol levels through saliva or blood tests to assess adrenal function.
Treatment focuses on reducing stress levels and replenishing the adrenals:
- Get adequate rest and sleep
- Reduce workload and stressors
- Try relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga
- Eat a whole foods diet focused on protein, veggies, healthy fats
- Take nutritional supplements like B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium
- Consider bioidentical hormone therapy for cortisol, DHEA
The healthcare professionals at
Vitality Hormone Clinic are experts in treating adrenal fatigue. Our
comprehensive lab testing pinpoints hormone imbalances related to adrenal dysfunction. We create fully customized treatment plans involving
nutrition, lifestyle changes, and bioidentical hormones to restore energy, resilience, and wellbeing. Contact us today to learn more about recovering from adrenal fatigue!
In summary:
- Adrenal fatigue is exhaustion and fatigue not relieved by rest.
- It's thought to occur when the adrenal glands cannot adequately produce cortisol and other hormones.
- Symptoms include fatigue, cravings, low blood pressure, anxiety, and frequent illnesses.
- It's often caused by long-term stressors like overwork, poor diet, chronic illness.
- Doctors may diagnose it through cortisol tests and assess related issues like thyroid problems.
- Treatment involves reducing stress, improving diet, taking supplements, bioidentical hormones.
- The hormone experts at Vitality Hormone Clinic can test hormone levels and create customized treatment plans to recover from adrenal fatigue.