Adrenal Fatigue Support

Adrenal fatigue is a common disorder that is stress related and is marked by circulating cortisol levels along with signs and symptoms.  If cortisol levels are below optimal levels signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue appear, if they are too high, metabolic syndrome signs and symptoms manifest (e.g weight gain, insulin resistance).  In the modern world, numerous stressors affect people that are often prolonged, intense, and abundant.  During these stressful periods of high-stress states, nutrients are used in abundance and are not or cannot be replaced by the diet alone to support challenged adrenals.

There is a unique pattern in adrenal fatigue some of these include:

·       Early morning fatigue even with sufficient sleep

·       Requiring stimulants (coffee) to get going in the morning

·       Feeling more awake in the afternoon

·       Decreased energy, feeling run down with body aches and pains

·       Decreased productivity

·       Difficulty rebounding from stress, and recovering from illness

·       Salty food cravings

·       Hypoglycemia and/or symptoms of hypoglycemia including lower blood pressure

Relief from the symptoms of adrenal fatigue includes lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and supplements (hormone therapy and/or functional medicine).

After a thorough history/assessment to rule out serious disorders or diseases, adrenal support supplements may be beneficial in supporting the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.  However, keep in mind that supplements are alternative medicine and are not intended to cure or treat diseases.  Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can also be beneficial in decreasing the signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue and is related to the complicated interaction of all the hormones.