Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue and Dysfunction

Adrenal dysfunction

Adrenal fatigue and adrenal dysfunction describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms like body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. Many suffer from the condition unknowingly. Your adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are vital to healthy living. The medical term adrenal insufficiency refers to inadequate production of one or more of these hormones as a result of an underlying disease.  Learn how to identify troubling symptoms and what Balanced Well-Being Healthcare can help you do about it!

What Do Your Adrenal Glands Do?

Approximately 66 percent of the world population suffer from adrenal fatigue in one of its varying forms. Unless you are having problems with your adrenal glands, chances are you probably don’t know much about what they do. Your adrenal glands are tasked with producing a variety of hormones in your body that keep you healthy. When your adrenal glands are compromised hormone production can be affected. This is also known as adrenal dysfunction or adrenal fatigue.

Patients can experience many symptoms such as chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, weight problems and more that are related to unhealthy adrenal gland functioning. The good news is that this is a treatable condition! Intervention with our expert staff can help improve your adrenal function!

Adrenal Fatigue and Dysfunction Symptoms

Adrenal dysfunction symptoms will largely depend on what stage you are with the condition. Initially, the adrenal glands may respond to stress with increased hormone production and elevated cortisol levels. Depending on how the gland responds, symptoms may fluctuate as the body returns to normal baseline function after each episode. The glands work at adapting to ongoing stress, but prolonged stress may lead to less hormones. If you experience a combination of the symptoms below, contact Balanced Well-Being Healthcare for an evaluation and testing:

  • Fatigue, awakening tired and unrefreshed (Fatigue is the most common symptom.)
  • Cravings for sugar and salt
  • Dizziness with standing
  • Weight gain
  • Severe PMS or menopausal symptoms
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Slow healing
  • Restlessness, irritable, absent-minded
  • Palpitations
  • Being easily overwhelmed, slow recovery from a stressful event, exaggerated startle response
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, indigestion
  • Hair loss
  • Headaches
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Recurrent infections
  • Weakness

Testing for Adrenal Dysfunction

When testing for adrenal imbalance, we examine the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, so to get accurate results, we evaluate levels at different points during a 24-hour time period.

Saliva testing is the most convenient and accurate way to establish your current cortisol levels and the current state of your adrenal glands.Sometimes cortisol levels will be evaluated through blood testing and medication given to stimulate the adrenal glands to assess adrenal reserve will be performed. Urine collections may also be used.

In-Office Testing includes:

  • Cortisol levels thru saliva, blood, or urine
  • Other blood tests may include testing for other adrenal hormones including: DHEA, Pregnenolone, sex hormones, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone
  • Thyroid hormone testing
  • Assessment of food allergies
  • GI examinations of stool to assess gut function
  • Toxin testing: blood, urine, or hair analysis

How Diet Impacts Adrenal Dysfunction

Patients are often surprised to learn how much their diet is contributing to their symptoms. A diet high in sugar, caffeine and low in quality, whole foods augments bodily stress while robbing your adrenals of the nutrients they require for daily functioning.  

Poor diet choices can lead to adrenal fatigue and are made worse when additional stress comes into play. Conversely, good nutrition protects and sustains adrenal function during stress. When adrenal fatigue exists, a healthy diet, in conjunction with targeted nutritional supplementation, restores and maintains healthy adrenal function.

Establish proper nutritional habits you need for good health by working with our nutritionist during treatment.  

Treating Adrenal Dysfunction

Adrenal dysfunction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your particular treatment will be customized for your specific needs. A comprehensive treatment plan often includes a combination of the following:

  • Dietary guidelines, avoidance of inflammatory foods, refined sugars, and excess carbohydrates
  • Immune support
  • Adrenal hormone replacements, DHEA, pregnenolone if indicated
  • Gut/gastrointestinal support to promote healthy intestinal function
  • Relaxation/stress reduction program
  • Nutritional supplements to support increased stress in the body
  • Herbal therapy to support glandular function
  • Removal of potential allergic substances/foods
  • Avoidance of further toxins and removal of toxins if indicated
  • Exercise programs to promote stress relief, or alterations of exercise programs to gland healing

Combat Your Adrenal Dysfunction Today!

Learn how we can help diagnose adrenal insufficiency and get you back to the activities and energy levels you desire.  Living with the life-altering effects of adrenal dysfunction doesn’t have to be your life story. Get the testing and treatment you need today! Call 970-631-8286 and to schedule an appointment to achieve total body wellness.