Adrenal fatigue refers to a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of hormones like cortisol to maintain normal physiological functions.
The adrenal glands produce over 50 different hormones that help regulate various processes in the body. The main hormones produced by the adrenals include:
Some potential causes of adrenal fatigue include:
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue can be vague and vary between individuals, but may include:
The severity of symptoms tends to correlate with the degree of adrenal dysfunction. Mild adrenal fatigue may cause fatigue and trouble handling stress. More advanced stages can greatly impact quality of life.
How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed and treated?
There is currently no standard medical test to diagnose adrenal fatigue. A physician may test cortisol and DHEA levels to determine if the adrenals are significantly underactive. They may also check for related conditions like sleep apnea, hypothyroidism or nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment focuses on reducing stress levels through lifestyle modifications like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising in moderation, and using stress management techniques. Some patients find dietary supplements help improve symptoms, but research is limited regarding their efficacy. Occasionally, prescription cortisol medication is used short-term for severe cases.
The good news is adrenal fatigue can often be reversed through supportive self-care measures. Taking steps to minimize stress exposure and rebuild depleted adrenals through rest and proper nutrition can help rehabilitate impaired adrenal function. Support from health professionals at Renew Wellness Clinic can facilitate recovery too.