Adrenal Fatigue
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is the suboptimal functioning of the adrenal glands. It results from prolonged stress, acute or chronic infections and can be caused by emotional or physical stress. The adrenal glands still function, but are incapable of maintaining proper homeostasis such as adequate energy levels, immune function and body composition.
Adrenal fatigue may be related to a number of other health problems including:
- Addictions
- Allergies
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Blood sugar irregularities
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased immune function
- Low libido
- Menstrual irregularities and infertility
The signs of adrenal fatigue include:
- Fatigue that can’t be relieved by sleep
- Difficulty waking up in the morning and more energy after 6 pm than the rest of the day
- Craving salty foods
- Difficulty handling stress
- Difficulty recovering from illness
- Brain-fog
- Low blood pressure
Adrenal fatigue causes a change in cortisol secretion. Cortisol levels in a healthy individual peak around 8 am and are at the lowest around 4 pm. In adrenal fatigue, we may initially see an elevated cortisol level with no daily drop-off, or a change or even reversal of the normal circadian rhythm. After prolonged stress we may see a “flat-line” cortisol level as adrenal glands wear out and they have a hard time producing cortisol. The patient may experience a pattern of Alarm, Adaptation, Fatigue, and Exhaustion.
- Alarm: Initial and appropriate fight or flight response to a stressor with increased cortisol
- Adpatation: Physiological adaptations to withstand chronic stress
- Fatigue: begin to see symptoms (fatigue, depression, blood sugar problems)
- Exhaustion: inability to withstand stress
Measuring Adrenal Function
Cortisol levels can be tested using salivary samples. Multiple samples should be taken throughout the day to get a picture of the diurnal variation. DHEA levels can also be assessed using salivary samples. The clinic utilizes diagnostic assessments from the leading labs in the area of hormonal assessment. Accuracy and sensitivity of this testing cannot be compromised or incorrect treatment may result.
Treatment
Treatment programs are developed individually to meet patient requirements. Patients are strongly advised against taking any medication or substance that is influencing hormone regulation without the advice and supervision of a qualified physician. Every patient is encouraged to make the lifestyle changes that are central to promoting health. Treatment programs typically include a number of the following activities:
- Lifestyle changes
- Deep breathing exercises
- Regular meals
- Early to bed and regular sleep pattern
- Diet and Nutrition
- High quality protein sources
- Unrefined carbohydrates
- Whole food diet (lots of variety)
- Breakfast EVERY morning
- Appropriate supplementation as directed by clinic doctor
- Specific glandular extracts as directed by clinic doctor
- Herbs as directed by clinic doctor
- Licorice (Glychirriza glabra)
- Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)
- Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus)
- Hormone therapy as directed by clinic doctor
- DHEA
- Pregnenolone
- Progesterone
