Adrenal fatigue is a collection of signs and symptoms, known as a syndrome, that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, it can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections, especially respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia. As the name suggests, its paramount symptom is fatigue that is not relieved by sleep but it is not a readily identifiable entity like measles or a growth on the end of your finger. You may look and act relatively normal with adrenal fatigue and may not have any obvious signs of physical illness, yet you live with a general sense of unwellness, tiredness or “gray” feelings. People experiencing adrenal fatigue often have to use coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to prop themselves up during the day
Overview
What is Adrenal Fatigue?
Symptoms
What are the signs of Adrenal Fatigue?
The signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include:
Eye and muscle twitches
Feeling tired and lacking energy throughout the day
Struggling to get out of bed in the morning despite getting to bed at a reasonable time
Getting a second wind at 10 or 11pm when you should be winding down
Waking through the night, even to go to the bathroom
Feeling irritable, anxious and/or suffering from a fuzzy head and short-term memory loss
Being diagnosed or suffering from depression, panic attacks, anxiety or low sex drive
An increase in PMS symptoms (bloatedness, irritability, tiredness, cravings)
Having been prescribed antibiotics several times in the past few years
Reoccurring asthma, hay fever, pneumonia or bronchitis
Causes
What are the causes of Adrenal Fatigue?
The following factors play an important role in Adrenal Fatigue:
Chronic stress
Alcohol
Drugs
Caffeine
Illness ie colds, flus, coughs, that just wont go away
Diagnosis
How do I know if I have Adrenal Fatigue?
To diagnose Adrenal Fatigue, your doctor is likely to ask you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam or request the following tests:
Female & male hormone profile (blood)
Fasting insulin