Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate amounts of cortisol and other hormones to meet the body's needs.
The adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," plays an important role in regulating metabolism, immune function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and more.
Some key facts about adrenal fatigue:
What causes adrenal fatigue?
Potential causes of adrenal fatigue include:
If you are experiencing fatigue, body aches, nervousness, salt cravings and other symptoms of adrenal dysfunction, consider getting your hormone levels tested. The experts at Hormone Wellness Institute specialize in advanced adrenal testing to identify hormone imbalances contributing to adrenal fatigue-like symptoms. Their personalized programs help nourish stressed adrenals glands and restore optimal function.
How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed?
Unfortunately, adrenal fatigue is not an established medical diagnosis. Conventional medicine does not have a specific test or standard set of criteria to diagnose adrenal fatigue.
However, naturopaths and functional medicine practitioners may diagnose adrenal fatigue based on symptoms along with results of salivary hormone testing. This can determine if cortisol and catecholamine levels are low. It can also identify patterns of highs and lows over a 24-hour cycle.
Can adrenal fatigue be treated?
If suffering symptoms of adrenal dysfunction, there are many lifestyle changes and natural therapies that can help nourish adrenals back to health.
Lifestyle changes:
Natural supplements & therapies:
While some conventional doctors doubt the existence of adrenal fatigue as a real medical condition, many patients find relief from chronic fatigue and stress-related symptoms through nutritional support for the adrenals along with lifestyle changes to nourish the body and mind.