Adrenal Fatigue: Do You Have It?
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as body aches (particularly in the back and chest), lightheadedness, low blood pressure, low blood sugar or salty junk food cravings then you might want to read this article.
Waking up and feeling no incentive and no inspiration to get out of bed and start the day may sound like a normal everyday occurrence. What you may not know though, is that it could be a sign of issues in the inter-workings of your body. You may think you just have sleep issues or that you are worn out and tired. You suddenly feel tired in the middle of the day and just pass it off as too much-accumulated stress.
No! This way of life shouldn’t be the case and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Adults everywhere tend to overlook these signs. When in reality, they may be symptoms of a budding medical condition. A medical condition that feeds on lack of motivation, overwhelming stress, and chronic fatigue: I’m talking about Adrenal Fatigue.
Adrenal fatigue, or hypo-adrenia as you may have heard it before, is a much more common condition than you might think.
The idea is that exhaustion within the adrenal glands causes a lack of cortisol hormone production in the bloodstream, which in turn causes extreme fatigue.
Let’s take a look at what exactly adrenal fatigue is and why is it so important for women to know the signs today!
Taking A Look at Adrenal Fatigue as A Medical Condition
Now, adrenal fatigue is not officially recognized as a medical condition or disease. It is observed as a pseudo-condition which is wildly educated upon, but cannot be further proved at this point in time. However, many medical professionals still advise patients on how to deal with their very real symptoms and reactions.
Much like any other ailments, there are notable symptoms, causation's/correlations, and treatment methods. All of these we will talk about later…
Some professionals tend to believe that adrenal fatigue runs hand in hand with post-menopause stress and accommodation; while others believe that it is a condition simply caused by a malfunction in hormone production in the liver and various glands. Either way, it is obvious in the medical world and the everyday woman’s world that adrenal fatigue causes real problems for real people; and, it needs a proper solution.
Spotting the Symptoms
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue range between a variety of physical and mental aspects; however, there are a few more common signs. These are the items that have been seen constant throughout the recorded cases of patients with adrenal fatigue:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Inability to sleep/insomnia
Trouble finishing tasks
Lingering Stress (physical, emotional, and/or mental)
Each of these symptoms can have a heavy effect on the production of cortisol, as it slows the progression of chemical trade-off. The proper chemical hormones in the body do not recognize or differentiate the need for cortisol in the adrenal glands; thus, it stops sending and producing it efficiently. This leads to constant bouts of fatigue, which then leads to the inability to fall asleep and a lack of motivation to get up and be active in the morning.
As this fatigue begins to spiral downward, it becomes harder for the person to properly finish tasks and goals. With a lack of motivation and lack of proper rest, the body begins to slowly give out and become heavy and tired all the time. And sadly, all of these symptoms and physical reactions connect back to the leading symptom of adrenal fatigue - stress.
Dealing with Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
As the body encounters everyday bouts of stress and anxiety, the adrenal glands let out a healthy dose of the hormone called cortisol. Women who have adrenal fatigue, however, have a lack of release of this hormone, causing stress to build to intolerable levels until it cannot be dealt with at all.
In this situation, it is positive for women to understand that their bodies produce lower levels of cortisol on a daily basis. Sufferers can usually aide in relieving a part of this stress by adding mediation, deep breathing, and/or mild exercise to their daily routines. Having a time set aside of clearing the mind and de-stressing the body, gives off a happy feeling in the brain that releases serotonin. This hormone counteracts the cortisol not being distributed in the body by leaving them happy and content, so there is no focus on unwarranted stress.
Some other methods include surrounding oneself with essential oils and a peaceful environment. Both seem to also do the trick of shutting of stressful thinking in the brain while also relaxing the tense buildups in the body from lack of good sleep.
Lesser Known Symptoms
Although, it is rather unanimous that the leading cause of adrenal fatigue is stress, there are a few lesser known symptoms to also look out for.
Here is a quick list of signs to look out for:
Body aches (particularly in the back and chest)
Lightheadedness
Low blood pressure
Low blood sugar
Craving salty snacks constantly
Sudden lowered immune system health
Joint and muscle pains
Newly formed allergies
Anxiety / Anxiety attacks and episodes
Depression
Seeking Treatment
Sadly, adrenal fatigue can be a little hard to treat nowadays. More often than not, distressing methods are used to cope with the condition rather than cure it.
Here are some successful methods of treating adrenal fatigue:
Practicing meditation/yoga/ deep breathing daily
Planning your days and tasking by top productivity/priority
Creating obstacle situations which force you to get out of bed (such as setting an alarm without snooze and placing it far out of reach)
Walking outside during the day for a minimum of 30 minutes a day
These methods have been shown to work with many other women living with adrenal fatigue; however, it is important to choose a treatment method that not only makes you happy and healthy but one that is also safe for your overall body and mental health. There are also recommended herbal and dietary solutions as well. If the above options are not effective please speak to your Doctor before starting any supplements or herbal remedies.
Staying Aware
Knowing the signs of adrenal fatigue and how to try and decreases your levels of stress is only the beginning of the process. This condition may not be medically proven yet, but there is an obvious correlation that keeps it being researched and trialed today. This condition is rather common among women from ages 30 to 60, so it is important to know what you can do to prevent it.
Adrenal Fatigue and other adrenal disorders that crop up later in life may be hereditary. In addition, refined carbs in the diet such as sugar and white flour, deplete many of the nutrients required for adrenal support. This is only a small scrap of information on only one issue of adrenal function. If you have any concerns please speak to your Doctor.
I am always here to assist in any way that I can. I can help you put together an action plan once your doctor has diagnosed an issue. My job as a Holistic Health Coach is to motivate you and move you to action to get healthy results that will last a lifetime.
I have included a few references for your reading enjoyment!
Have a blessed and wonderful week!
References:
Body Logic M.D. – Adrenal Fatigue in Women
Web M.D. – Adrenal Fatigue
Mayo Clinic – Adrenal Fatigue: What causes it?
Hormones.com – Adrenal Fatigue: Myth vs. Fact
Adrenal Fatigue Solutions in Women’s Health
