Adrenal fatigue syndrome is one of the many overlooked disorders that can disrupt a person’s ability to function properly. It is a result of overstressed or over-worked adrenal glands and it is a serious health threat that needs to be addressed before things get any worse.
Adrenal Glands Location
Adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are two small, triangular glands located at the top of each of your kidneys and they are responsible for regulating our body’s response to stress. And when it comes to stress, it means all types of stress from emotional, mental, and physical to psychological stress. When a person is in stress, the adrenal glands will release cortisol, epinephrine and other hormones that can help cope with the stress. A person’s ability to handle these different stressors depends on how strong his or her adrenal response is. When a person’s adrenal glands start to operate below its normal capacity it is then called adrenal fatigue syndrome.
Causes of Adrenal Fatigue
Stress is the main trigger for adrenal fatigue. When we are overstressed, high amounts of cortisol are being produced. But when our body continuous to be in constant stress it can cause prolonged and severe burden to our adrenals, which means a constant supply of cortisol is needed. With continuous and increased demand, the amount of cortisol produced may not be enough. This results into adrenal fatigue.
Other causes may include lack of sleep, drinking too much coffee and taking medications like corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are used as treatment drug for certain illnesses, but they also trigger overproduction of cortisol which in return shuts down the adrenal glands and suppresses the immune system. In some cases it may bring a person into a psychotic state.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Symptoms to watch out for are:
• Lack of energy
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Difficulty in remembering or concentrating
• Difficulty in recovering from illness or infection
• Craving for salt or sugary foods
• Unexplained loss of hair
• Nausea
• Mild depression
• Decreased sex interest
• Difficulty in sleeping
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose for a variety of other causes may have triggered these symptoms. But remember, most major health issues manifest these symptoms as well, so it is best to consult your health care provider promptly.
Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue
When adrenal fatigue is left untreated it may lead to more serious conditions. Treatment is usually done to correct the underlying cause. When fatigue is caused by stress, proper medication should be taken. Other supportive measures like prescribing medications that help promote hormonal balance may also be prescribed. Here are some tips to help overcome stress:
• Lie down during work breaks.
• Laugh more, exercise often, and sleep more (until 9am if possible).
• Minimize stress.
• Eat regularly and only eat healthy foods.
• Take vitamins and minerals.
• Do something fun everyday.
When your adrenal fatigue syndrome is already in a state where it permits you to respond to treatments mentioned above, an orthomolecular hormone therapy is advised. But it is always better not to let stress get this far. So treat fatigue right away and regain control of your life.
