Adrenal fatigue

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of non-specific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands, which produce important hormones such as cortisol, become overtaxed and unable to adequately meet the body's needs.

Some key points about adrenal fatigue:

• The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, immune function, blood pressure and the body's response to stress, among other essential jobs.


• Chronic stress is thought to be a key cause of adrenal fatigue. Stress causes the adrenals to produce high levels of cortisol for long periods, eventually leading them to become depleted and function inadequately.


• Symptoms may include fatigue even after adequate rest, difficulty waking up in the morning, salt and sugar cravings, low libido, irritability, depression, body aches, disordered sleep, lightheadedness and digestive issues.


• While some health practitioners believe adrenal fatigue is an important disorder affecting many people, it is not an officially recognized medical condition according to conventional medicine. There are no standard diagnostic tests for it.

If you think you may suffer from adrenal fatigue, consider contacting the experts at Balance Hormone Institute. Our integrative providers specialize in treating hormonal and glandular imbalances through customized treatment plans involving lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, bioidentical hormone therapy, and other holistic interventions tailored to your unique needs.

Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal fatigue can be complex. It typically involves a thorough symptom evaluation, sometimes combined with salivary cortisol testing at different times of day to assess adrenal function and patterns. An integrative treatment approach would include some of the following:

• Stress reduction techniques like exercise, meditation, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy


• Adaptogenic herbs and supplements to support healthy adrenal function like ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, ginseng and licorice root extract


• Sleep hygiene improvement through earlier bedtime, potential supplements like magnesium or melatonin, reduced screen time before bed


• Dietary changes to remove inflammatory foods or add mineral/nutrient-dense foods


• Potential prescription bioidentical hormones like DHEA or hydrocortisone on a case-by-case basis

The highly-qualified functional medicine practitioners at Balance Hormone Institute will happily provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss science-backed treatments tailored for your unique adrenal issues. Reach out today to start your journey towards improved adrenal health and vitality!

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