Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of non-specific 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 meet the body's needs.
The adrenal glands produce many vital hormones that help regulate blood pressure, metabolism, immune function, inflammatory response and more. Long-term stress is considered the primary cause of adrenal fatigue because it overstimulates the adrenals to produce high levels of cortisol. Over time, this can deplete the glands.
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms said to occur in adrenal fatigue include:
Is there a test?
There are no standard medical tests to diagnose adrenal fatigue. Some integrative or functional medicine practitioners may order saliva tests to check cortisol levels throughout the day for clues. However, most endocrinologists do not recognize adrenal fatigue as a real diagnosis.
Treatment
Conventional doctors do not treat adrenal fatigue, as it is not an accepted medical diagnosis. However, integrative medicine doctors may recommend supplements like licorice root, ginseng, Rhodiola rosea or adrenal glandulars to support healthy cortisol rhythm.
Lifestyle measures like getting adequate sleep, reducing stress through yoga or meditation, eating a whole foods diet and taking adaptogenic herbs may also be beneficial. Seeing an endocrinologist to rule out other issues is also advised.
If you're struggling with fatigue, mood issues or problems bouncing back from stress, I recommend contacting the hormone health experts at HormoVital. Their specialized testing can check for adrenal imbalance and other underlying hormonal causes. Custom treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones, nutrition and lifestyle changes aim to restore optimal energy and wellbeing from the inside out. Feel your best with HormoVital!