What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term used in functional medicine that describes a broad spectrum of disorders with fatigue the primary symptom.

For more information about adrenal fatigue, call (914) 245-3056 or request more information online.

What are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?

Some common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include the following:

• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Digestive problems often leading to weight loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Low blood pressure
• Low sex drive
• Cravings for sweet or salty snacks
• Lack of stamina
• Lethargy (lack of energy)
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Difficult menopause
• Increased PMS symptoms
• Loss of focus and concentration
• Loss of motivation or initiative
• Feeling of being overwhelmed
• Emotional imbalances

What causes adrenal fatigue?

Prolonged chronic stress and the inability of your body to deal with these stressors can deplete your adrenal glands overtime causing a decrease in the production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol.

Cortisol is commonly known as the “stress hormone” and low levels can prevent optimal functioning of the body. This can lead to adrenal fatigue. Usually it can take about 6 months or more of constant stress for adrenal fatigue to settle in.

It is important to know that the adrenal glands respond to every kind of stress the same, regardless the source. These can be physical, emotional, psychological, environmental, infectious, nutritional, or a combination of these.

Stress can also cause your cortisol levels to elevate which over time can have many negative consequences.

• Binge eating
• Fatigue
• Increased blood sugar
• Insulin resistance and increased insulin
• Impaired thyroid function
• Elevated triglycerides
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbance
• Sugar cravings
• Thinning skin
• Weakened immune system
• Low energy

How can adrenal fatigue be treated?

The good news about adrenal fatigue is that you can do most of what is needed to regain your health back.

An experienced adrenal-fatigue doctor can create a treatment plan to best address your specific case of adrenal fatigue. It will involve key lifestyle changes and involve the following:

• A saliva test to help diagnose your adrenal stress index
• Cortisol samples to evaluate your body's response to stress
• A nutritional plan involving vitamins, minerals, and herbs to help build up your body's energy
• A customized plan to rebuild your adrenal glands and protect them from daily stressors

For more information about adrenal fatigue, call (914) 245-3056 or request more information online.