Adrenal Fatigue is becoming increasingly more common on a daily basis. At least a half a dozen time per week, I consult with a patient that has been diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue.
The increase in the incidence of Adrenal Fatigue is directly related to all the stressor we have to deal with. These stressors can include emotional, physical, as well as environmental toxicity from chemicals, heavy metals, viruses, bacteria and molds.
The function of the adrenal glands is to release cortisol, to help us deal with theses stressors. In the short term this can be beneficial but in the long term it can create adrenal fatigue and exhaustion.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
- Fatigue in the morning (difficulty getting up)
- Difficulty Falling Asleep
- Difficult Handling Stress
- Excessive Use Of Salt
- Increase Use of Caffeine
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Weight Gain
- Lightheadedness
- Brain Fog
Natural Methods To Help Regulate Cortisol
- Dietary Changes to Minimize Inflammation
- Supplementation of Adaptogens like Ashwaghanda, licorice root, rhodiola as well as phosphatidylserine and good old Himalayan sea salt.
- Mediation
- Stress Management
- Exercise (not too excessive)
Proper Testing:
The Adrenal Stress Index can measure cortisol levels 4 times during the day. Most commonly the saliva test is run which measures Cortisol at different times of the day, morning, noon, late afternoon and evening. By analyzing the cortisol rhythm, cortisol output and DHEA we can determine what phase of adrenal fatigue the individual is in.
The Dutch Hormone test will analyze cortisol and melatonin levels since there is a inverse relationship between the two. In the morning we should have plenty of cortisol and a little bit of melatonin. This should gradually change during the day so as night time falls our cortisol levels are low and melatonin higher so we can sleep. The Dutch Hormone also analyze hormones as well as organic acids markers.
Four Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
Generally there are 4 stages.
Stage 1: High overall cortisol and spikes determine the first stage at times during the day suspecting a problem.
Stage 2: The second stage of adrenal fatigue is commonly missed since the total cortisol is relatively normal. The cortisol will be low at times during the day but the overall output is within normal range. When we analyze cortisol during the day we should see it high in the morning and it becoming lower at night.
Stage 3: The third stage of adrenal fatigue is when the DHEA levels are low and cortisol is low throughout the day.
Stage 4: Complete Exhaustion
In Office Testing
In our office we will perform some testing on the Adrenals. The first test is we shine a light in the eye causing the pupil to constrict. With the light on the pupil should stay constricted. If the pupil is alternating between dilating and constriction this can be a sign of adrenal fatigue.
The second test is called Ragland’s test. This involves lying down in the supine position for approximately 5 minutes and then takes the blood pressure. Following 5 minutes immediately stand up and take the blood pressure again. Ideally it should raise 5-10 mmHg upon standing. However, if it remains the same or goes down this can be a sign of adrenal fatigue.
Finding The Cause
This is the most important part otherwise the cycle will continue. Is it a H.Pylori infection? Candida? Autoimmue? Emotional or Physical Stress?
We recommend a Functional Medicine Approach to discover the root cause and of course proper testing.
In our office we will perform some testing on the Adrenals. The first test is we shine a light in the eye causing the pupil to constrict. With the light on the pupil should stay constricted. If the pupil is alternating between dilating and constriction this can be a sign of adrenal fatigue.
The second test is called Ragland’s test. This involves lying down in the supine position for approximately 5 minutes and then takes the blood pressure. Following 5 minutes immediately stand up and take the blood pressure again. Ideally it should raise 5-10 mmHg upon standing. However, if it remains the same or goes down this can be a sign of adrenal fatigue.
Following the consultation we will recommend various labs so we can properly identify and address the cause of the adrenal fatigue. I only recommend tests that will actually change our approach to treatment. We also do our best to review the labs you have already had done to make sure there is no overlap.
Tests We Might Recommend
- Organic Acids
- Dutch Hormone Test
- Heavy Metal
- Stool Test
- Genetic Testing
- Alcat
- Cyrex
HPA -Axis
It has been our clinical experience that when we find the cause of the chronic stress contributing to the adrenal fatigue and support the Hypothalamus- Pituitary-Adrenal Axis the adrenals begin to function properly and the symptoms improve.
It is also necessary to not only improve digestion, absorption and elimination but also detoxification, mitochondrial and brain health.