Adrenal fatigue is a condition characterized by chronic fatigue, body aches, unrefreshing sleep, food cravings, and other symptoms. It's believed to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed by stress and can't produce adequate levels of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
Some key facts about adrenal fatigue:
- Main causes include chronic stress, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, infections, and hormone imbalances. Prolonged periods of high stress can deplete adrenal function over time.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, trouble getting up in the morning, feeling rundown in the afternoon, irritability, anxiety, depression, body aches, cravings for salty and sweet foods, low libido, and more.
- Standard blood tests may not always detect adrenal fatigue since hormone levels can fluctuate and be normal at times. Specialized saliva testing can provide a better picture of cortisol and DHEA levels throughout the day.
- Treatment focuses on reducing stress, optimizing diet, correcting nutrient deficiencies, improving sleep quality, and supporting the adrenals with adaptogens and glandulars. Lifestyle changes are critical.
- People with adrenal fatigue often have trouble bouncing back from stress and feel wired but tired. Hormone imbalances like low DHEA, high/low cortisol, and insulin resistance can also contribute.
- Supporting adrenal function may require changes in diet, supplementation, sleep, exercise, and stress management. Key nutrients to supplement include vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium.
- Adaptogens herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, licorice root help adrenals adapt to stress. Adrenal glandulars provide nutritional support.
- Work closely with a functional medicine practitioner for testing and to develop a personalized treatment plan. Lifestyle habits and nutrition choices must be addressed.
- Recovery takes time but is very possible! Be patient through the process. Even small steps to reduce stress and improve self-care make a difference.
If you're struggling with fatigue, brain fog and other symptoms of adrenal fatigue, the
practitioners at Hormone Wellness Clinic can provide advanced testing and create a customized treatment plan to rebalance your adrenals. Their integrative approach addresses diet, lifestyle, stress management, targeted supplementation, and other factors to support your energy, focus and vitality from the inside out. Visit
malehormones.org today to learn more and download their free guide on overcoming adrenal fatigue naturally. With an individualized plan to nourish your adrenals, you'll be feeling like yourself again in no time!