What is adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands become overworked and unable to produce adequate levels of hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands are small triangular organs that sit on top of the kidneys. Their main function is to manage the body's stress response by regulating hormones.
Some key signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Fatigue, especially in the morning and afternoon
- Cravings for salty or sugary foods
- Difficulty bouncing back after a stressful event
- Low stamina and energy
- Increased effort to do everyday tasks
- Trouble concentrating or memory issues
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
What causes adrenal fatigue?
There are a few potential causes:
- Chronic stress - Whether it's physical, emotional or psychological, prolonged stress activates the fight-or-flight response, overworking the adrenals.
- Infections - Bacterial, viral and fungal infections can overburden the adrenals.
- Hormone imbalances - High cortisol levels from chronic stress can disrupt adrenal hormones.
- Poor diet - Nutrient deficiencies and blood sugar swings strain the adrenals.
- Sleep deprivation - Not getting enough restorative sleep prevents the adrenals from recharging.
How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed?
Since adrenal fatigue is not an officially recognized medical condition, diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions like Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), testing hormone levels, assessing symptoms, and evaluating lifestyle factors.
Some key diagnostic tests may include:
- Salivary cortisol test - Measures cortisol levels at different times of day. Levels are often low in adrenal fatigue patients.
- ACTH stimulation test - Injects ACTH hormone to evaluate adrenal cortisol response.
- Aldosterone test - Low levels may indicate impaired adrenal function.
- DHEA-S test - Measures DHEA hormone produced by adrenals. Levels may be low.
- Blood tests - To check electrolytes, blood sugar, inflammation and infections.
- Medical history - Doctor will review health conditions, medications, stress and lifestyle factors.
What is the treatment for adrenal fatigue?
Treatment focuses on reducing stress, optimizing diet, regulating blood sugar, improving sleep quality, and supporting the adrenals with supplements if needed.
Some key treatments include:
- Stress reduction - Relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing. Set healthy boundaries. Take breaks.
- Balanced nutrition - Eat a nutritious whole foods diet. Get enough protein, healthy fats and veggies. Avoid processed foods and excess sugar.
- Sufficient sleep - Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Maintain consistent bedtime and wake up time. Create an optimal sleep environment.
- Adaptogenic herbs - Herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng and licorice root help regulate adrenal function.
- Adrenal glandulars - Supplements derived from bovine adrenal glands provide nutritional support.
- Hormone replacement - Cortisol or DHEA therapy may help replenish low levels under medical supervision.
- Moderate exercise - Gentle activities like walking, yoga, stretching help manage stress. Avoid overexercising.
If you're struggling with fatigue and think you may have adrenal dysfunction, consider contacting the adrenal health experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic for testing, diagnosis and natural hormone treatments to get your levels optimized and energy back. Their integrative approach combines nutrition, lifestyle changes and bioidentical hormones personalized to your needs. Visit