Do You Have Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue.?It is one of the most common conditions, that might lead to or aggravate fatigue, chronic pain, inflammation, depression, or anxiety, yet doctors know very little of it. The medical term is?‘subclinical adrenal insufficiency’ and it is also referred to as ‘adrenal fatigue.’

The term subclinical adrenal insufficiency, leading to subclinical hypercortisolism (low cortisol production), is also referred to by some as ‘adrenal fatigue.’

I wanted to share with you a few of the symptoms of this so-called condition and studies on sub-clinical adrenal insufficiency to help you identify if you might be struggling from this condition.

Our adrenals secrete cortisol, also called the ‘stress hormone,’ as a response to physical, emotional, or psychological stress.?Cortisol, a powerful anti-inflammatory substance, is vital in the regulation of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, energy levels, and healthy immune response.

I have found that many clients who complained about chronic conditions, such as joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, or insomnia, had lower adrenal function or lower cortisol levels.?

Unfortunately, most clients received a prescription from their doctor, for the symptoms they reported and continue to struggle with many of the same complaints they initially had. If the symptoms are aggravated by lower levels of cortisol, the solution should be to support adrenal function and production of cortisol.?

Clients that have been through stressful events, such as emotional stress or physical trauma might be more susceptible to adrenal insufficiency.?Furthermore, chronic, or excessive secretion of cortisol may result in a down-regulation or resistance of glucocorticoid receptors.?In other words, chronic stress, either emotionally or physically, might eventually lead to adrenal exhaustion and lower levels of cortisol.??

Here are a few of the main symptoms of subclinical adrenal insufficiency:

·????????You have chronic inflammation and pain.?If you have higher levels of inflammatory markers, had lower levels of cortisol in the morning, this could be a result of a sub-clinical adrenal insufficiency. Furthermore, people with fibromyalgia and lower back pain tend to have lower levels of cortisol.?

·????????You have ‘unexplained’ fatigue in the morning, afternoon, or all day.?The adrenals secrete cortisol, which leads to gluconeogenesis in the liver and an increase in sugar levels. This helps us to stay alert and awake. When cortisol levels reduce, they might lead to fatigue in the morning, afternoon, or during the whole day. With many, these levels will be sub-clinically low, meaning that they will be lower than optimal levels, but not enough to be considered as disease of the adrenals.

·????????You have insomnia or sleep issues.?If you wake up at night or find it difficult to fall asleep, it is possible that your adrenal is ‘pumping’ cortisol or adrenaline at nighttime, keeping you awake or waking you up. Studies show that exposure to light and stress are two factors that lead to the secretion of cortisol, which elevates levels of serum glucose. Elevation of cortisol reduces levels of melatonin (the sleep hormone), which might lead to a disturbance in sleep. This is very common with folks who find it hard to sleep, feel like they cannot relax, or wake up and describe that they are ‘awake.’

·????????You experience depression or anxiety. Our adrenals are also called the ‘stress glands for a reason.’ Studies show that in adults, abnormal levels of cortisol are associated with depression, while in children elevated levels of cortisol are associated with a sensation of anxiety.?

·????????You have a higher tendency for consumption of alcohol or addictions. Studies indicate that the risk for dependence and for relapse after quitting, in alcohol or nicotine addicts, may be associated with deficient cortisol.?

In contrary to common testing of cortisol levels once a day in the morning, cortisol should be measured at least four times a day.?Since cortisol levels fluctuate during the day, I recommend measuring cortisol levels 4 times in one day with a simple saliva test.?This will give me the information I need to help regulate your levels and get you back on track.

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