How well do you cope with stress? We are all unique individuals and experience stress in different ways. If you have any of the symptoms below, consider Adrenal Fatigue Testing to find what your adrenal reserve is.
Common Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
- Morning fatigue or lack of energy
- Feeling “burnt out”
- Brain fog, poor memory or difficulty retaining information
- Trouble gaining weight or
- Abdominal weight gain
- Anxiety or depression
- Low libido
- Exercise intolerance
- Cravings for salty, sweet or carbohydrate-rich foods
- Insomnia, sleep disturbances or difficulty waking
- Irritability or mood swings
- Changes in skin integrity or easy bruising
- Frequent or chronic infections
- Muscle and joint pain or weakness
- Osteopenia or osteoporosis
- Hypertension
Our Natural Fight or Flight Response
In life-threatening or extremely stressful situations, the body secretes higher levels of hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and epinephrine to prepare for a “fight or flight” response. High levels of cortisol release stored energy to help the body through physical endurance or to escape from physical danger. This is essential for survival.
High Cortisol
The issue in the modern world, is living in a state of always being “on” and having longer periods with elevated stress hormones. So when we endure daily chronic stress from life in general, our cortisol levels may stay elevated for longer periods of time. This can create symptoms of feeling tired and wired at the same time, restless sleep or insomnia, and anxiety. Furthermore, long-term excessive cortisol interferes with the action of other hormones (progesterone, testosterone and thyroid) and is also neurotoxic to the brain, impairing memory, focus and concentration.
Low Cortisol
Adrenal Fatigue occurs over time and with ongoing stress. The adrenal glands can become depleted from producing too much cortisol, without adequate down time and rest. After awhile, the adrenal glands cease to secrete normal amounts of cortisol when needed.
Symptoms of low cortisol may include fatigue (especially in the morning), reduced immune function, low blood sugar and low blood pressure, exhaustion from exercise, depression and low sex drive. Other hormones can also be affected such as DHEA, progesterone and thyroid hormone.
2 Ways to Test for Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal Stress Index, Saliva Test
This is a 4-point saliva test taken throughout the course of day.
Adrenal Dried Urine Testing
This is a 4- or 5-point urine sample (dried for 24 hours) test taken throughout the course of day.