Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue is a condition that is often overlooked and frequently misunderstood by conventional medicine. Many people suffer from varying stages of Adrenal Fatigue and don’t even know it.

The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and are part of the Renal System. They secrete multiple hormones that control a variety of functions in the body.  Typically they are only given attention when the person is in adrenal failure, which is called Addison’s disease. Fortunately this is rare. Adrenal fatigue is in the gray area between great function and failure, when the adrenals are just not working up to par, but are not diseased.

The most common symptom of adrenal fatigue is fatigue. The adrenals contribute to sustained energy throughout the day. As the adrenals lessen in function, in providing the hormones that stimulate energy, the person experiences less and less energy. The other most common symptom is not coping with stress. The adrenals are part of the stress mechanism. The body interprets stress as a fight or flight response. The adrenals in a fight or flight situation release adrenalin, along with other hormones to give super strength or endurance.  Stress is simply a lessened version of the fight or flight mechanism. Chronic stress wears down the adrenals ability to respond appropriately.

Lightheadedness upon standing or while upright is another common symptom. Typically, a postural hypotension test is given (blood pressure taken in sitting, lying and standing positions) to diagnose it. Other tests are also utilized commonly to diagnose both adrenal fatigue and Addison’s disease.

Problems with sleep, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, muscle weakness, changes in personality or volatile mood swings, headache, joint and muscle pains and cravings for salt can all be symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

We can help with adrenal fatigue with both acupuncture and nutrition. Those two alone are tremendously effective in restoring energy and adrenal health, but if need be, other natural remedies are also helpful. Naturopathy offers many other solutions in the rare cases that acupuncture and nutrition don’t work. We are happy to offer all of those services.