Adrenal Fatigue - What To Look Out For

Adrenal fatigue can occur when your adrenal glands are malfunctioning due to stress, be it physical, mental or emotional. Your adrenal glands are small glands that are located just above your kidneys. They are filled with hormones, including cortisol, testosterone, epinephrine, progesterone, estrogen and DHA. Cortisol is in charge of handling stress in the body and maintaining the immune system. If the adrenal glands are unable to properly produce cortisol, stress builds in the body which can lead to adrenal fatigue.

Energy

• If you are experiencing adrenal fatigue, your energy level will ebb and flow making you feel like you are on a rollercoaster ride. You wake up feeling tired and perk up after a few hours and something to eat. You have another lull where your energy is low, followed by another rise in energy and another low before bed. You may resist going to bed and even have trouble getting to sleep. In general, this condition delivers chronic fatigue and you lack energy and can become lethargic. You may feel the need for caffeine or stimulants to wake you up.

Signs

• Suffering from adrenal fatigue may have you reaching for the salt more often. You may crave fatty and high protein foods and feel better after eating. Stress may increase your blood sugar, PMS or menopausal symptoms. The lack of cortisol results in the inability to deal with stress which can cause mild depression, a lack of energy, muscle weakness, forgetfulness and confusion.
• Other symptoms to be on the look out for include gaining weight around the midsection, illnesses that last longer than usual, lightheadedness, reduced sex drive, constipation and diarrhea. Adrenal fatigue could also lead to hair loss, low body temperature, dry and thin skin, nervousness or pain in your upper back or neck.