Adrenal Fatigue: The Stress Syndrome

If you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, body aches, low blood pressure, hair loss, blurry vision or lightheadedness, you may have adrenal fatigue.

Although adrenal fatigue is not an accepted medical diagnosis, holistic practitioners are convinced that millions are suffering from this syndrome.

Adrenal fatigue is caused by stress.

“During adrenal fatigue your adrenal glands function, but not well enough to maintain optimal homeostasis because their output of regulatory hormones has been diminished – usually by over-stimulation.* Over-stimulation of your adrenals can be caused either by a very intense single stress, or by chronic or repeated stresses that have a cumulative effect,” AdrenalFatigue.org states.

Adrenal fatigue has gone by many names over the years such as non-Addison’s disease and sub-clinical hypoadrenia.

Those who suffer from adrenal fatigue often complain of chronic fatigue. Many state that even after a full-night’s rest, they wake up exhausted and that caffeine and other stimulants to little to shake the exhaustion.

Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, skin discoloration and mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

Adrenal insufficiency can be detected by blood tests which would indicate inadequate levels of adrenal hormone.

From AdrenalFatigue.org:

How can I tell if my adrenals are fatigued?

You may be experiencing adrenal fatigue if you regularly notice one or more of the following:*

1. You feel tired for no reason.
2. You have trouble getting up in the morning, even when you go to bed at a reasonable hour.
3. You are feeling rundown or overwhelmed.
4. You have difficulty bouncing back from stress or illness.
5. You crave salty and sweet snacks.
6. You feel more awake, alert and energetic after 6PM than you do all day.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are advised to contact your doctor.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic

AdrenalFatigue.org