Are You Struggling with Adrenal Fatigue? Signs, Symptoms and What Causes It!

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue is a stress-related condition that occurs in millions of people due to HPA-axis dysfunction. The HPA-axis refers to the connection between the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands and affects a whole lot more than just your energy levels!

Your adrenals are two small, but mighty glands located on top of the kidneys. They produce the stress hormone cortisol, as well as stress neurotransmitters epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).

These glands are very sensitive to stress and react to all kinds of stressors, even lesser thought of ones like negative thoughts, exercise, chemicals and infection. While this is a natural reaction, being chronically stressed over time causes our adrenals to pump out stress hormones in excess, which leads to eventual “burn-out” or fatigue.

The Sliding Scale of Adrenal Dysfunction

Adrenal dysfunction though, is not fixed and it lands on a sliding scale. At the first signs of adrenal dysfunction, one might experience excess feelings of stress, irritability and be unable to sleep or settle down at night.

If these common signs go unnoticed and underlying causes of stress are not addressed, eventually those little glands can become overworked to the point of exhaustion and start underproducing cortisol. This is where one might experience trouble getting out of bed in the morning, needing sugar or multiple cups of coffee to get through the day and being just plain exhausted!

Cortisol Governs Stress and So Much More!

The main stress hormone cortisol is the major factor in HPA-axis dysfunction and adrenal fatigue. In addition to its role in the stress response, it affects hormones like insulin and leptin, involved in blood sugar control, hunger and cravings and it also governs blood pressure, sleep cycles and digestion. Furthermore, cortisol has a significant influence on the strength of our immune system and inflammation levels.

Symptoms of High Cortisol:

• Always stressed, difficulty handling stress
• Can’t relax or calm down
• Irritability and anger
• Restless legs
• Racing mind
• Trouble sleeping
• Anxiety or depression
• Excess weight around midsection
• Craves chocolate and sweets
• High blood pressure
• Poor immunity
• Joint pain

Symptoms of Low Cortisol:

• Fatigue
• Trouble getting out of bed in the morning
• Hypoglycemia, can’t miss meals without crashing or feeling terrible
• Trouble falling asleep, wired between 11pm-1am
• Easily emotional
• Exercise intolerance
• Craves salty or sweet foods
• Anxiety or depression 
• Low sex drive
• Low blood pressure, light-headed going from sitting to standing
• Poor immunity 
• Joint pain
• Weight gain
• Brain fog

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue:

• High stress lifestyle
• Negative mindset
• High sugar, refined diet
• Diet low in nutrients
• Blood sugar and insulin imbalance 
• Excess caffeine
• Chronic infections
• Hidden allergies
• Toxicity 
• Lack of sleep
• Night shift work or irregular schedules
• Trauma
• Long-term, high intensity cardio
• EMFs from electronics and cellphone towers

Won’t My Doctor Know If I Have Adrenal Fatigue?

Medical doctors only test for adrenal-related diseases, such as Addison’s disease, but they don’t test for adrenal dysfunction. Many doctors will only test for these conditions in more extreme situations, and even then it’s hit or miss. We believe in prevention and being proactive with our testing, so no matter where you are on the scale, we can perform the right tests and make the best recommendations based on those results.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s time to address them and stop accepting them as your “new normal”! Our next article will cover what to do if you suspect you might be dealing with adrenal fatigue, so stay tuned!