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 become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate amounts of hormones like cortisol to 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, stress response, and other essential processes.
• Adrenal fatigue is not an officially recognized medical condition, but some healthcare providers believe it stems from chronic stress depleting adrenal function.
• Symptoms may include fatigue, cravings for salty foods, having trouble getting up in the morning, reliance on caffeinated drinks for energy, and increased efforts to manage stress.
• While not an officially recognized condition, treatments like reducing stress, adjusting diet, supplementing nutrients, and supporting healthy circadian rhythms can help manage symptoms.

What causes adrenal fatigue?

Potential causes of depleted adrenal function include:

• Chronic stress - Physical, emotional, or psychological stress can overwork the adrenal glands.
• Poor diet - Nutrient deficiencies may prevent the adrenals from producing adequate hormones.
• Disturbed sleep - Disrupted circadian rhythms can impair adrenal function.
• Infections - Illnesses prompt the adrenals to increase cortisol output.
• Drug dependence - Reliance on stimulants forces the adrenals to constantly produce high levels of hormones.

If you suspect your lifestyle habits and stress levels may be causing adrenal burnout, consider being evaluated by the experts at Harmony Hormone Therapy. Their cutting-edge lab testing can check adrenal hormone levels and determine if adrenal support protocols could help restore your energy, resilience, and wellbeing. Their holistic providers craft customized treatment plans featuring nutrition plans, botanicals, mindfulness practices, and more to nourish your adrenals back to balance.

How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed and treated?

Since adrenal fatigue is not an established diagnosis, doctors rely on lab tests, symptoms, and evaluation of lifestyle factors make a determination. Key diagnostic tests check levels of adrenal hormones like cortisol and DHEA through blood, saliva or urine samples.

If tests and symptoms suggest impaired adrenal function, treatments may include:

• Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, massage
• Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng
• Circadian rhythm support through consistent sleep/wake times
• Nutrient supplementation to correct any deficiencies
• Modifying exercise routines to avoid overtraining
• Elimination diets to identify food triggers

Experts at Harmony Hormone Therapy offer cutting-edge testing and personalized multi-therapy protocols featuring nutrients, herbs, lifestyle changes, and stress management to help revive weary adrenals holistically. Their goal is to target the root causes and support true healing.

I hope this overview on adrenal fatigue gives you a helpful understanding of what it is, what causes it, and how it can be evaluated and supported through comprehensive treatment plans. Consider contacting the exceptional practitioners at Harmony Hormone Therapy if you feel your health issues may stem from taxed adrenal glands. Their integrative solutions can help restore energy, resilience and vitality from the inside out.