What is Adrenal Fatgue?

by Dawna L. Jones, MD
Adrenal Fatigue occurs when the amount of stress experienced by the body exceeds the body's capacity to compensate or recover from stress. The stress may be physical, emotional, or psychological. Common examples of stressful insults include lack of relaxation, job stress, divorce, starvation, prolonged illness, or continued sleep deprivation.  Some signs of adrenal fatigue may include:

Difficulty getting up in the morning
Injuries that heal slowly
Decreased tolerance to stress
Feeling unrefreshed after a night's sleep
Decreased sex drive
Craving salty foods
Lack of concentration or fuzzy thinking
Inability to complete daily activities
Lack of energy, better after meals
Difficulty in recovering from illness or trauma
Mild depression
Increased PMS
The human body has a tremendous capacity for maintaining balance, protecting itself from insult, and promoting health. The endocrine system includes the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, testis, pituitary, pancreas, and parathyroid.  The glands produce hormones, including aldosterone, cortisol, and the sex hormones. Hydrocortisone controls the body's use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The hormone also plays a role in suppressing inflammatory reactions in the body and, therefore, influences the immune system. The sex hormones (testosterone, DHEA, progesterone, pregnanolone, and rostenedione) help balance the effects of cortisol and promote reproductive health.  Aldosterone maintains sodium balance and influences blood volume and blood pressure.

Adrenal fatigue is not recognized by modern medicine and is not easily diagnosed by conventional methods unless the adrenals are failing or destroyed; therefore conventional therapies are not prepared to treat it. Saliva testing remains the preferred method for testing low function of this gland. Fortunately, adrenal fatigue has been diagnosed and treated for over one hundred years successfully with adrenal cortical extract, used extensively prior to the development of synthetic corticosteroids. While not a replacement hormone, the extract does provide concentrated nutrients and cellular DNA and RNA necessary for cellular repair and restoring normal adrenal function. Unfortunately, adrenal fatigue has been confused with many different diagnoses, including chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia, or depression.

SOME STRATEGIES FOR TREATING ADRENAL FATIGUE:

Stress reduction: Pray, chant, go to yoga class, laugh, eat lunch outside, or DO NOTHING

Eat breakfast: Don't let your blood sugars drop too low. Eat regularly so your body will be properly fueled.

Get away from no-win situations: Protect your mental energy from unnecessary insults.

Food: Eat a balance of foods to provide your body with energy and the tools for repair. A combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats will aid in maintaining blood sugar levels.

Sleep: The cortisol levels follow a body rhythm that allows for more cortisol during the daylight hours when activity is high and lower levels in the latter part of the day when rest is needed. Lack of rest increases the stress and further depletes the adrenal glands.

Take supplements: The complex biochemical functions of the adrenal glands require vitamins and minerals that may not replenished completely even with the most conscientious eater. The adrenals contain the highest concentration of vitamin C in the body and require the vitamin for functioning. Important vitamins and minerals for adrenal health include B-complex, magnesium, vitamin E and trace minerals such as zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and chromium. Specific herbs may additionally support the repair of the adrenals like Ashwandha root, ginger, Korean ginseng (for men), and Siberian ginseng (for women).

Avoid stimulants: Ephedra, Mahuang, cola nut or strong black coffee or tea can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.

Exercise: Increases endurance, conditions the body, reduces stress, and increases endorphins.

 

Dawna L. Jones, MD is the Medical Director of Bella Obstetrics and Gynecology, a practice that specializes in natural solutions for menopause, homeopathy and naturopathic solutions for gynecological concerns. New patients and inquiries are welcome. Feel free to contact the office via email at bellobgyn@acninc.net or call (781)961-5711

Article references: American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine, 1989; Adrenal Fatigue, The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James Wilson, MD, 2001.