Adrenal Fatigue
Introduction
Adrenal fatigue has been called the 21st century syndrome. 1 The adrenal glands handle stress in all forms. When we don’t get enough sleep, work long hours at the office or are under any kind of emotional or physical stress, our adrenal glands take the brunt. Over time the adrenals become fatigued and do not function at their full potential. This is known as adrenal fatigue.
The adrenals and their importance
The adrenals are small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for the production of certain hormones: adrenaline, aldosterone, cortisol and DHEA (a precursor to all of the major sex hormones). 2 3 When we encounter stress, adrenaline and cortisol are released, we are able handle the stress and life continues. In other words, the adrenals are absolutely necessary for our survival.
The adrenals are also involved in other important bodily functions. They play a part in controlling the blood sugar balance by secreting the hormone cortisol. 4 The adrenals also manufacture DHEA, a precursor to all of the sex hormones. 3 There is no doubt that impaired adrenal function can have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue
Below is a rather extensive list of symptoms that can be associated with adrenal fatigue. 4 If you suspect that you have adrenal fatigue, then please have a test conducted by a licensed physician.
- Low body temperature
- Weakness
- Unexplained hair loss
- Nervousness
- Difficulty building muscle
- Irritability
- Mental depression
- Difficulty gaining weight
- Apprehension
- Hypoglycemia
- Inability to concentrate
- Excessive hunger
- Tendency towards inflammation
- Moments of confusion
- Indigestion
- Poor memory
- Feelings of frustration
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Osteoporosis
- auto-immune hepatitis
- auto-immune diseases
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations [heart fluttering]
- Dizziness that occurs upon standing
- Poor resistance to infections
- Low blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Food and/or inhalant allergies
- PMS
- Craving for sweets
- Dry and thin skin
- Headaches
- Scanty perspiration
- Alcohol intolerance
Testing for adrenal fatigue
A saliva hormone test is the most common means of discovering adrenal fatigue. This test can be performed by your doctor. Click here for lab resources regarding saliva hormone testing.
Treatment of adrenal fatigue
The treatment of adrenal fatigue will most likely vary from slightly from person to person. Lifestyle changes along with a good nutritional program is usually a good place to start. It is important follow a treatment program under the care of a licensed physician.
Here is a list of natural supplements that might help with adrenal fatigue: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B complex (especially Vitamin B6), magnesium, sea salt, licorice root, chromium, adrenal glandulars, Pregnenolone and DHEA.
Click here for more informaion on adrenal fatigue and specific recovery programs.
Sources:
- Adrenal Fatigue. www.AdrenalFatigue.org. http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/index.php
- Adrenal Fatigue. Ron Kennedy, M.D. The Doctors’ Medical Library. http://www.medical-library.net/content/view/269/45/
- DHEA and Adrenal Fatigue. Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP. Women to Women. http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/dhea.aspx
- Understanding Adrenal Function. Mercola.com. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2000/08/27/adrenals.aspx
