Adrenal fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands are not able to produce adequate amounts of cortisol and other hormones to meet the body's needs. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for managing the body's stress response through the production of cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones.
When someone experiences prolonged periods of high stress, the adrenal glands can become overworked and struggle to keep up with the body's demands for stress hormones. Eventually, the adrenals become depleted, leading to low cortisol levels that can produce symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, trouble getting up in the morning, cravings for salty or sugary foods, and more. While not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, adrenal fatigue is a real phenomenon that many integrative and functional medicine practitioners treat.
Some common causes of adrenal fatigue include:
- Chronic stress at work, home, or school
- Sleep deprivation
- Poor diet high in processed foods and sugars
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Psychological trauma or PTSD
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a new baby
- Chronic infections like Lyme disease or mold toxicity
If you're wondering if you may have adrenal fatigue, some key symptoms to look out for include:
- Overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest
- Difficulty getting up in the morning even after ample sleep
- Cravings for salty, fatty, or sugary foods
- Brain fog, poor memory and concentration
- Low stamina, rapid muscle tiring, and slow recovery from exercise
- Feeling run-down after minor illnesses or stress
- Anxiety, irritability, or depression
Fortunately, adrenal fatigue can be effectively treated and reversed! The cornerstones of treatment include:
- Reducing and managing stress through relaxation practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and more
- Improving sleep habits and ensuring 7-8 hours of high quality sleep per night
- Following an anti-inflammatory diet high in whole foods and low in processed items
- Taking adaptogenic herbs and supplements like ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, and licorice root
- Correcting underlying issues like food sensitivities, gut health imbalances, toxicity, infections, etc.
- Optimizing exercise, not overdoing it but also not being sedentary
At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, we specialize in treating adrenal fatigue through comprehensive testing, tailored nutritional supplements, stress management coaching, and lifestyle changes. Our integrative hormone doctors have helped hundreds of patients overcome adrenal exhaustion, regain energy, think clearly again, and improve their quality of life. We'd be happy to see if we can help determine if adrenal fatigue may be at the root of your symptoms! Reach out today to schedule a consultation.