Adrenal Fatigue

If you have symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, allergies, arthritis, anxiety, depression, reduced memory and difficulties in concentrating, insomnia, worn-out feeling, and inability to lose weight after extensive efforts you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue also known as hypoadrenia.

There are two stress glands called the adrenal glands which are located on top of your kidneys. The adrenal glands are involved in a number of physiological functions in the body like pulmonary function, blood sugar metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, central nervous system processes, cardiovascular function, hormone production, gastrointestinal function, and liver function to name a few.

What role the adrenal glands play for the human body

The adrenal glands also play an important role in helping the body respond appropriately to changes caused by stress and different emotions. The adrenal glands produce hormones in a complex symphony that is orchestrated by two structures in the brain called the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

These glands control many functions from anti-inflammatory (ridding the body of pain and swelling) and immune system protection to balancing fluid and salt levels and controlling minerals (such as potassium), rapid heart rate, regulating blood pressure, and sleep and awake cycles.

These glands counter stress by the production of several hormones. The adrenals don’t know the difference between physical and mental stress and they treat both with the same stress hormones.

How stress can contribute in causing adrenal fatigue

Every type of stress influences these glands – injury, infection, divorce, finances, job-related stress, irritable situations, drugs and medications, surgery, pain, illness, poison ivy, extreme cold or heat, giving birth, menstrual cycle, eating junk foods, starvation diets, etc.

When stress and poor nutrition lead to altered hormone levels, imbalance in endocrine function can lead to substantial fatigue. When you experience stress of any kind, the adrenals start pumping adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones get the blood flowing to the heart and muscles and at the same time pull the blood away from your digestion. They also stimulate the nervous system to speed up the heart rate.

As you push your body over the years coping with stress, living on caffeine, nicotine, sugar and alcohol with little sleep, the adrenals eventually become exhausted. In this state, the adrenals begin to reduce hormonal secretion and this impacts the entire endocrine system.

Causes for chronic stress that leads to adrenal fatigue:

• Physical trauma
• Chemical toxins
• Poor diet
• Lack of sleep
• Infections
• Refined carbohydrates
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Nicotine
• Vitamin B & C deficiencies
• Too much caffeine
• Emotional trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Prescription drugs
• Over consumption of sugar

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Malfunction:

• Low energy – weakness, fatigue
• Lethargy
• Fluid retention
• Sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Tendency to gain weight and being unable to lose it (especially around the waist)
• Blood sugar problems
• Difficulty getting out of bed, lack of energy which returns from 3-5 PM
• Need for mid-afternoon naps
• Nervousness
• Anxiety (worry), frequent feelings of stress
• Difficulty handling stress
• Need for caffeine or stimulants to get going
• Salt cravings, fat cravings and sugar cravings
• Hot flashes
• Reduced sex drive
• Arthritis
• High or low blood pressure
• Allergies
• Tendency to get the flu
• Pain in the upper back and neck for no reason
• Lightheadedness when rising from a lying down position
• Unable to remember things

All possible symptoms of adrenal insufficiency:

• Depression
• Facial hair on women
• Full eyebrows
• Receding hairline
• Deeper voice
• Sparse hair on forearms and lower legs
• Atrophy of breasts
• Tightness in chest or chest pains
• Food or inhalant allergies
• Dry and thinning skin
• Acne or poor skin
• White or discolored patches on skin
• Reddish purple stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts.
• Red checks
• Round or moon face
• Puffy face and eyes
• Dark cycles around eyes
• Double chin
• Weak ankles and knees
• Weak or brittle bones (due to a loss of calcium and protein)
• Low body temperature
• Unexplained hair loss
• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

If you have many of these signs and symptoms, it is time you consider adrenal fatigue as a possible cause once you have ruled out other possible disease. None of the signs or symptoms by itself can definitively diagnose adrenal fatigue. However adrenal fatigue is definitely something you’ll want to consider.

Adrenal rejuvenation for recovering from adrenal fatigue

The adrenals need salt (sea salt), omega-3 fats, vitamin C, and B vitamins as the main supporting nutritional supplements. When supporting the adrenals, it’s important to get off stimulants like coffee and other caffeinated beverages. All foods with vitamin C complexes are best especially leafy greens and other vegetables. It is important to get enough sleep, exercise, and take the necessary supplements to optimize adrenal gland functions.

My recommendation for evaluating and treating adrenal fatigue

If you suspect you may have adrenal exhaustion or fatigue caused by any combination of chronic stressors you’ll want to complete a hormone screen to identify any possible imbalances. I refer my clients to Dr. Craig Koniver of Primary Plus Medicine in Charleston for testing and treatment plans. Learn more about his practice by clicking the link above.

It’s important to understand that varying degrees of adrenal fatigue or more prevalent than ever with the stressful lives we tend to live today and the continued deficiencies in our diets from processed and refined foods.

You will find weight loss to be very difficult if the adrenals or any other hormonal systems have imbalances. Proper rest, diet, and exercise are always the first line of hormone stabilization and optimal health but often times you’ll need to address specific treatment plans.

Remember, it’s all about what you’re body needs and the solution must be personalized.


Shane Doll is a certified Charleston personal trainer, fitness expert, speaker, author, and founder of Shaping Concepts Personal Training Studios. Learn more how you can receive a no obligations FREE trial of his Charleston personal training programs and experience the Shaping Concepts difference for yourself.