Adrenal Fatigue

Huntsville Resource for…

Adrenal Fatigue/Chronic Fatigue

Phone: 256.425.0123

Fax: 256.425.0195

Stress, stress, stress. Stress to a human is like mud to a pig. We just love to “wallow” in it. Seriously, chronic stress is a major killer among Americans. Some organizations claim that it is the number one killer. Stress has been linked to almost all disease and illness. Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life. As Hans Selye noted, "Without stress, there would be no life". However, just as distress can cause disease, it seems plausible that there are good stresses that promote wellness. Stress is not always necessarily harmful. Winning a race or election can be just as stressful as losing, or more so, but each may trigger very different biological responses. Increased stress results in increased productivity -- up to a point. However, this level differs for each of us. It's very much like the stress on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull, raspy sound. Too much tension makes a shrill, annoying noise or snaps the string. However, just the right degree can create a magnificent tone. Similarly, we all need to find the proper level of stress that allows us to perform optimally and make melodious music as we go through life.

Adrenal fatigue is when the adrenal glands function below normal as a result of chronic or severe stress. As the name implies, the most common symptom is fatigue, which is why many people go undiagnosed with adrenal fatigue. The hormone involved in adrenal fatigue is cortisol. In the beginning of extreme stress, cortisol levels elevate above normal function. But with persistent stress or long-term stress, the adrenals will “burn-out” and production of cortisol lessens.

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

· Tendency to gain weight, especially around the waist, without the ability to loose it.

· Getting the flu and other respiratory diseases often.

· Trembling when under pressure.

· Lowered libido (sex drive).

· Feeling “lightheaded” when rising from a laying down position.

· Unable to remember things.

· Lack of energy in the mornings and afternoon between 3-5 p.m.

· Suddenly feel better after a meal for a brief period.

· Often feel tired between 9-10 p.m., but resist going to bed.

· Need coffee or stimulants (i.e., caffeine) to get going in the morning.

· Crave for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.

· For women, increase symptoms of PMS.

· Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason.

· Feel better when on a vacation.

· Difficulties getting up in the morning.

· Decreased productivity at work.

· Mild depression or less enjoyment or happiness with life.

· Fatigue not relieved by sleep.

Testing for Adrenal Fatigue

The most effective way to test for adrenal fatigue is to complete a adrenal saliva tests. This test will measure your cortisol levels over the course of a day (morning, noon, evening, and bedtime). You will be able to see where your cortisol is out of balance.

Tips For Patients With Adrenal Fatigue

· Be in bed before 10:00 PM.

· Sleep in until 9:00 AM whenever possible.

· Look for things that make you laugh.

· Eliminate “energy robbers” (things in you rlive that drain you energy).

· Make your lifestyle a healing one.

· Notice at lease one small, everyday thing that you are grateful for each day.

· Take your dietary supplements daily.

· Move your body and breathe deeply.

· Believe in you ability to recover.

· Eat the foods your body needs.

· Learn which foods make you feel bad.