Adrenal fatigue is a term for when the adrenal glands are overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of cortisol and other hormones. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, cravings, irritability, and more.
The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and are responsible for managing the body's stress through hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones help regulate blood pressure, cardiovascular function, metabolism, and the immune system's inflammatory response.
What causes adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue often stems from chronic stress and high cortisol levels over long periods of time. Causes can include:
- Chronic stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Poor diet
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Chronic infections
What are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and feeling "wired but tired"
- Salt and sugar cravings
- Difficulty bouncing back from stress
- Brain fog, lack of focus
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
- Irritability and anxiety
How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests of hormone levels like cortisol and DHEAS as well as evaluation of symptoms. The
ACTH stimulation test specifically looks at adrenal response. Saliva tests measuring circadian cortisol rhythm can also be helpful.
What is the treatment for adrenal fatigue?
Treatment focuses on reducing stress, optimizing sleep, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and supporting the HPA axis recovery. Lifestyle factors are key.
Vital Hormones Clinic() specializes in treatment solutions for adrenal fatigue, utilizing customized
bioidentical hormone therapy including hydrocortisone and DHEA to help support adrenal gland recovery. Their holistic methods combined with hormone balance focus on restoring optimal adrenal health.
Additional potential treatments for adrenal fatigue include supplements like ashwagandha, vitamin C, B complex vitamins, magnesium, adaptogens, and more. Light exercise can help recovery as well. Working with a functional or integrative medicine practitioner to personalize a treatment plan based on symptoms and lab testing is ideal.
The good news is that adrenal fatigue can often be reversed through lifestyle measures to maintain hormone balance from the inside out. Paying attention to nutrition, stress relief, quality sleep, and supporting exhausted adrenals offers hope in overcoming this condition.