Signs of Adrenal Fatigue: Understanding the Symptoms and Causes

Adrenal fatigue, also known as adrenal dysfunction or adrenal burnout, is a condition where the adrenal glands become exhausted from chronic stress, leading to a decrease in production of essential hormones. If you're struggling with adrenal fatigue, your functional medicine doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help reset your adrenals and promote overall health.

Over time, if your body can't keep up with demands, your adrenal glands will produce a smaller amount of cortisol, resulting in a range of symptoms. Initially, the adrenal glands respond to stress by increasing cortisol production, but as stress persists, they become less effective at producing this essential hormone.

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue are determined by how well or poorly your adrenal glands are functioning. Some common emotional stressors that can contribute to adrenal fatigue include chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body struggles to adapt to large amounts of stress. In fact, it's estimated that approximately 80 percent of Americans will suffer from adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives. If you're experiencing chronic stress, your body continues to produce stress hormones until it can no longer keep up with the demands placed on it.

When the adrenal glands activate, they release the stress hormone cortisol, which triggers the fight or flight response. This response causes blood pressure and heart rate to increase, preparing the body for action. The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating hormones, including those released by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce a variety of hormones that regulate blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, metabolism, immunity, and more. When a person undergoes chronic stress for an extended period, their adrenal glands become so taxed that they no longer keep up with the demand for cortisol.

Some common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:

* Fatigue and low energy

* Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

* Insomnia or sleep disturbances

* Mood swings and irritability

* Decreased libido

* Weight gain or loss

* Digestive issues

* Skin problems

By understanding the causes and symptoms of adrenal fatigue, you can take steps to manage your stress levels and promote overall health. Working with a functional medicine doctor can help you develop a personalized plan to address your specific needs and alleviate your symptoms.

Signs of adrenal fatigue