Take this simple quiz to find out if you might have Adrenal Fatigue or Adrenal Dysfunction…
- Do you have difficulty awakening from sleep in the morning, often hitting the snooze button multiple times?
- Do you need coffee to get going in the morning?
- Have you recently gained weight, especially around the middle?
- Do you feel like you get every cold and flu bug that is going around, that your immune system is shot?
- Do you have more difficulty dealing with stress and deadline pressure than you used to?
- Do you have a lack of interest in sex?
- Do you frequently feel lightheaded upon standing quickly?
- Do you struggle with poor memory or “brain fog”?
- Do you feel especially tired in the mornings and afternoons between 3-5pm?
- Do you feel the need to snack or eat frequently to maintain a normal blood sugar?
- Do you crave salty foods?
- Do you feel extremely tired between 7-10pm but get a second wind if you stay up later?
- If you are female do you struggle with PMS: heavy bleeding, moodiness, fatigue during menstrual cycle? If you are male, do you feel like you stamina, energy and ability to maintain muscle are decreased?
- Do you frequently have pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason?
- Do you notice improvement of symptoms stress levels are lower, such as during a vacation or time away from work?
If you answered more than 10 of the questions above “yes”, you may have a condition of adrenal dysfunction often referred to as Adrenal Fatigue.
The adrenal glands sit over the kidneys, where they play a significant role in the body, secreting more than 50 hormones necessary for life, including epinephrine, cortisol, DHEA, progesterone and testosterone.
Since they produce so many essential hormones, the adrenal glands are responsible for many of the functions we need to stay alive and healthy, including:
- Energy production – carbohydrate, protein and fat conversion to blood glucose for energy
- Fluid and electrolyte balance
- Fat storage
One hormone in particular, cortisol, is extremely important for keeping our body systems in balance, as well as protecting our cells. For example:
- It controls the strength of the immune system: Too much cortisol weakens the immune system, setting the motions for increased susceptibility to infections and cancer, while too little leads to an overactive immune system and autoimmune disease.
- It normalizes blood sugar.
- It regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance
As the manufacturer of adrenaline, they are the “glands of stress,” but are also the first glands to fail during prolonged or intense periods of stress. The problem with stressors is that they are “cumulative,” in the sense that their impact tends to add up in the body over time until your adrenal glands just can’t take anymore. Adrenal “fatigue” or dysfunction used to be rare, but is now all too common because of our lack of relaxation and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, sleep deprivation, poor eating habits and excessive caffeine intake, as well as exposure to environmental toxins and allergens.
Adrenal fatigue should not be confused with another medical condition called Addison’s disease where the adrenal glands are not functioning at all. While Addison’s disease is often caused by autoimmunity, Adrenal Fatigue is largely caused by stress along with a host of other factors, like accumulation of toxic exposures, hidden infections, hormone imbalance, or even nutritional deficiencies.
More signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include:
- Mild depression or anxiety
- Multiple food and or inhalant allergies
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Increased effort to perform daily tasks
- Decreased ability to handle stress
- Dry and thin skin
- Low blood sugar
- Low body temperature
- Palpitation
- Unexplained hair loss
- Alternating diarrhea or constipation
The ability to handle stress, physical or emotional, is a cornerstone to human survival. Our body has a complete set of stress modulation systems in place, and the control center is the adrenal glands. When these glands become dysfunctional, our body’s ability to handle stress and fight infections is decreased.
Causes of Adrenal Fatigue Include:
Excessive stress can be from many sources. Chemical toxicity and nutritional depletion are among the physical causes. Mental, emotional or spiritual stress may be a major factor, too. Financial, family or other stress may also contribute to burnout. Even infections can play a role.
STRESS
Any excessive stress can deplete the adrenals. Excessive workload, long hours, lack of sleep, or emotional stress are common. Other stressors in cities are noise and electromagnetic pollution. Cell phones, microwave towers and appliances like televisions, cell phones, wearable electronics, microwave ovens and computers give off strong EMF fields that can be stressful to our bodies
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
Many people today have subclinical deficiencies of essential nutrients, like B vitamins, Vitamins A, C and E, Magnesium, Zinc, and other trace elements. When under stress, the need for nutrients is even greater. Refined carbohydrates stress the adrenals as well. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies. The Standard American Diet is both high in processed carbs and sugar and lower in quality fats and protein and many times lacking in micronutrients.
Inadequate or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues. Most diets are low in nutrients required by the adrenals. The reasons for this begin with how food is grown. Most food is grown on depleted soils. Our soils of today contain a fraction of the magnesium as soils hundreds of years ago did. Processing and refining further deplete nutrients. Habits such as eating in the car or while on the run further diminish the value derived from food and our ability to digest it. Allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients as well.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
Toxic chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout. Everyone is exposed to thousands of chemicals in the air, the water and the food. Sources may also include dental materials or beauty products, such as shampoo, lotions, make-up. Cleaning our home with toxic chemicals may also take it’s toll. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications also add to the body’s toxic load. Check out these 10 Tips to decrease your exposure. Toxins may also be generated internally due to microbial imbalances in the gut and impaired digestion. When food is not properly digested, it may ferment in the intestines, producing many harmful substances that are absorbed through the intestinal lining. A healthy body has the ability to eliminate many toxins on a daily basis. However, as adrenal weakness develops, the body’s ability to eliminate all toxins decreases. This produces a vicious cycle in which weaker adrenals impairs the elimination of all poisons, which then further weakens the adrenals.
CHRONIC INFECTIONS
Chronic infections may originate in infected teeth or gums, though they can be located anywhere in the body. They contribute greatly to the toxic load of the body. Infections also cause inflammation and stress that must be countered using the adrenal hormones such as cortisol and cortisone.
One of the most commonly overlooked causes of Adrenal Fatigue is intestinal infections that gives rise to an inflammatory response. Such infection can occur sub-clinically with no obvious signs at all. Infections in the gut, including giardia, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), fungal dysbiosis, and h. pylori infection are just a few that may contribute to adrenal dysfunction.
STIMULANTS OR EXCESSIVE EXERCISE
Stimulants damage the adrenal glands by pushing the secretion of stress hormones and adrenaline and over time depleting the body of essential neurotransmitters. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common culprits.
Less obvious but no less important stimulants may include anger, rage, arguments, hatred, unforgiveness, loud music, tragic news, and even movies with suspense or excessive violence. Other activities that may act as stimulants include vigorous exercise or recreational drug use. Even high risk sports, like surfing, diving, or extreme climbing if done in excess may deplete the adrenals. Most of these activities provide a temporary “high”, which is caused in part by the secretion of high amounts of adrenal hormones. Over time, however, this weakens the adrenals and can eventually lead to adrenal depletion and insufficiency.
TOXIC EMOTIONS
Uncontrolled emotions are another cause of adrenal burnout. These include habits of worrying, or becoming angry or afraid. Don’t worry, be happy is a great prescription for adrenal burnout. This applies particularly to high strung, Type A, nervous individuals as they are especially prone to adrenal burnout. Prayer and meditation release calming neurotransmitters and take the body from a state of fight and flight into the parasympathetic mode of relaxation and can be extremely helpful in healing adrenal fatigue. In addition, cultivating an attitude of gratitude can do wonders for you adrenals.
More stressors that can lead to Adrenal Fatigue:
- Emotions, like anger, fear, guilt
- Chronic illness
- Chronic infections
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Excessive exercise
- Gluten intolerance
- Malabsorption and poor digestion
- Toxic exposure
- Severe or chronic stress
- Surgery
- Sleep deprivation
- Excessive sugar in diet
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Processed foods, additives, chemicals and genetically modified ingredients, like corn, soy, canola.
- Infected teeth, gums or root canal
Chronic stress is very common in western society. The most common causes of stress are work pressure, changing jobs, death of a loved one, moving homes, illness, and marital disruption. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the amount of stress overextends the capacity of the body to compensate and recover. But there is hope… stay tuned for my next article on how to treat adrenal fatigue
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Be sure to read PART II: TREATMENTS FOR ADRENAL FATIGUE…
Exellent and easy to understand! Very usefull. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue 2 years ago and I am still trying to find balance a big part of this I think is adrenal fatigue ( I do notice how great I feel when we are in school holidays ( as I was a teacher but haven’t worked much over the past 2 years ) I would like to try your supplements if you could send me a link
Hi Viv
I suggest Xymogen Adrenal Manager, which you can order direct from Xymogen with physician code: DrJill and last name: Carnahan. Dose is 1-2 caps in AM and 1-2 caps in afternoon. Do not take near bedtime
Best
Dr Jill
Every one of the problems I have I feel so lazy. I have RA but long before I found out about it I’ve struggled with all of this.
I had parathyroidectomy October 2015, I started to feel great until the 3 months post op Mark, severe fatigue daily, sleeping between 4 and 6pm daily, trouble getting out of bed each morning, craving salty foods. Confusion, dizziness and brain fog. Also palpitations are back. I’m convinced this is the cause. Any advice
Yes! find a functional medicine doctor to help you…. you can search by zip code at http://www.functionalmedicine.org
Is it possible to heal from adrenal fatigue while working third shift? If someone were to heal by addressing nutrient deficiencies and infections, if they continued to work third shift, wouldn’t the adrenal fatigue eventually happen again? What about people who have to work third shift?
We now know that HPA axis dysfunction is a more appropriate description of the fatigue that comes with adrenal dysfunction. Shift work has long been associated with increased health risks, including risk of insulin resistance, weight gain, cardiovascular disease and brain dysfunction. Many people do not have a choice but it is not a good idea to consistently lose sleep or upset your body’s circadian rhythm.
warmly
Dr. Jill
How can you tell if a gaunt face is a result of malnutrition from leaky gut and infections or if it’s from adrenal fatigue?
Hi Tara,
Testing would be the best way
Warmly
Dr Jill
like the post
What can cause adrenal fatigue in someone so young? I’m in my early 20’s and I have major adrenal fatigue. I don’t have any caffeine. I never drink coffee or soft drinks. I don’t drink alcohol at all. And I don’t have a lot of stress. I do have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s and I’ve read that autoimmune diseases are stressful on the body. Could it be from that? I just don’t understand and I’m really worried because adrenal fatigue can be dangerous and if I already have it severe in my 20’s, how is it going to be in my 30’s and 40’s? I just don’t know what’s causing it to where I can address it.
Hi Emily,
Stress, infection, toxic exposures, gut dysbiosis, and many other things…
It’s more likely to be HPA axis dysfunction that the older term that was popular when I wrote this, Adrenal fatigue
warmly
Dr Jill
I’m so frustrated. Been sick since 2008. Serious adrenal fatigue. I had unintended weight loss allergies can’t eat much of anything just had a root canal and I feel 100x worse now. Constant runny nose tired can’t sleep. Hate lights noise TV. For years now. I have reason to believe I have sibo. Omg I’m a mess. Crying fighting with my husband. I need help. Don’t know where to get it. Thx
Hi Christy,
You can find a functional medicine doctor to help you at http://www.functionalmedicine.org. Typically there are other things such as toxic exposure, mold, heavy metals, infections, stress, hormone disruptions etc causing HPA axis dysfunction so your best chance to get well is to find and treat the root cause.
warmly
Dr Jill
I’m 67 yrs old, I have pulmonary Fibrosis n Pulmonary Hypertension,and Hyperactive Throid gland.Lately I have been loosing some weight and I’m fatigued all the tim,I got a hair cut a month ago and it not growing like it use to. Do I need to get my Adrenal gland checked?
Hi Dave
It would be a good idea to check 4 point cortisol and DHEA-S as well as free and total testosterone levels
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill, I am suffering from adrenal fatigue, can you please help. I got my cortisol checked they are normal my DHEA is low at 76. I feel horrible with horrible symptoms, I’m getting really depressed.
I suffer with all of these I have fibro,bulging discs, degenerative discs, prolapse, annular tear, carp tunnel, tendonitis, cholesterol levels, folic acid deficiency, panic disorder, fobias, asthma, hypersensitivity to stimuli, ,I have raynauds symptoms, and rheumatoid arthritis getting tests for them they keep saying I don’t have autoimmune illnesses
i have been dealing with fatigue and major hair loss for the last 4 years. It use to go in cycles of 4 months then would get better but this last year has not cycled this has been going on for a year now. I wake up and two hours later need to sleep for 2-4 hours and am drained again around 5-6. No doctors have seemed to be able to figure it out. any help would be a blessing.
Hi Margaret,
You may want to have hormonal testing including cortisol at different times during the day. Toxic exposure, stress, infections and other things can cause ongoing fatigue
warmly
Dr. Jill
Dr. Carnihan, do you have any recommendation for poor oxygenation?
You mention it here as a result of dehydration, and I know you have also mentioned that CIRDS results in inefficiency in the body using oxygen.
I have the “under-oxygenation” symptom fairly severely, yet I drink quite a bit of water, and I score well on oxygen saturation at my doctor’s office.
Thank you.
Hi Sandra
The immune inflammation and cytokine storm will drive capillary hypoxia. You must first fix the toxic exposure..
warmly
Dr Jill
In theory, I have corrected the toxic exposure by moving and throwing away all my stuff 6 years ago. I did recently have an episode with ingesting moldy ginger for about 10 days, which had toxic mold, so I have regressed somewhat.
That said, the oxygen issue is continuous with me and very scary. I have used ozonated oils to help. I respond very well to something like hyperbaric, but I need some kind of oxygen therapy continuously, and who can afford that all the time?
I’ve been sick for about 30 years. I also have chronic lyme, which I now control with herbs. I take cholestyramine 4x a day.
Dear Dr. Jill
I have been suffering since two years, due to I guess too much exercise and less carbs. I have the following symptoms, bad sleep, dehydrated and no thirst feeling, thinning hair, cold feet, dandruff, low libido, very bad digestive system almost always bloated, but the most important thing is, there is liquid coming out of my anus. In short, I feel extremely bad during the day.
Any suggestion will be appreciated.
Hi Elias,
You should find a functional medicine doctor to test you and find out what the cause is…it could be dysbiosis, infection, pancreatic insufficiency or SIBO
warmly
DR Jill
HI,
I am 29 years old and I have had Gastric Bypass Surgery. I have lost 150 lbs since 2013. I have a lot of they symptoms that are described. I have a hard time getting out of bed, mild depression, brain fog, I get lightheaded when I stand up daily. I do drink a lot of caffeine about 2 energy drinks a day for the past 2 1/2 years. I fee like it is the only thing that can give me the energy to function. lately my blood sugar has been all over the place and I feel like I constantly have to snack in order to maintain feeling normal. I am on a Thyroid medication and my Thyroid is normal with that. My periods have been really off lately, I went to my Gyno who just put me on birth control. I want to see about going to an internal medicine doctor who can help me. because I don’t know what to do to feel better.
Hi Melissa,
You may have nutritional deficiencies due to the gastric bypass surgery. Work with your functional medicine doctor to assess any nutrient or iron deficiencies and treat them
warmly
Dr Jill
Please add me to your mailing list
you bet, Barbara!
Constant foggy feeling. Looking for guidance as to what lab tests I can have my provider order to check for any hormone imbalances that I may have. I am a 36 yo female. In the past 8 months, I have had neck pain that revealed bulged discs, which I feel i have in control, not treat for this. I am working to fix my diet, but exercise of almost any sort causes my neck to flare up. I want to rule out any issues from labs first and start working on my diet and stress level.
My biggest complaint is a foggy feeling in my brain. I feel like I am not able to do much because I am tired and end up with neck pain when I encounter any stress. I am stressed out very easily and annoyed by everything it seems. Low sex drive, constant fatigue, 10 lb weight gain. Used to have sinus issues but after surgery just allergies that are controlled. I feel like my immune system is shot, which can be improved with better diet and exercise practices. Anyways just trying to finally get all my duck in a row and make sure that is nothing medically causing my issues. This is greatly affecting my ability to be a good mom, and pursue career advancement and the job I have worked my whole life for, I basically feel really slow, I am terrified I don’t have the intelligence, energy, or focus to move forward.
Hi Micah,
This may be adrenals or some other issue, please have your doctor test you.
warmly
Dr Jill
I scored 12 out of 15 on the quiz above. My main concerns are brain fog/poor memory, lack of interest in sex, 20-lb weight gain, craving salty foods & sweets, pain in the upper back and around my chest area, AND tired all the time! I have bags under my eyes that I can’t get rid of them. I also read where adrenal fatigue is associated with melasma…due to hormonal inbalance. I seen adrenal fatigue supplements that I could buy through Amazon. What do you recommend my next step be?
Hi Sue, try finding a functional medicine doctor in your area to help you customize a treatment plan. You may need to have testing done as well
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hello,
For a little over two years I have been suffering from erectile dysfunction, I have tried different medications such as Viagra to no avail. Also, recently I have donated blood after which time my symptoms of ED seemed to disappear, however, recently, they came back. Also, I do feel tired throughout the day and had liquid come out the anus many times. My main concern is that it feels like my sex drives almost disappeared. Lastly, this condition started in late 2015 as I was taking Allopurinol prescribed by my doctor for the treatment of gout. Surprisingly, I have not had a gout attack since these problems started and had discontinued Allopurinol and still to this day have not had an attack. Is the Allopurinol partially or all to blame for this condition? Prior to me starting the gout medication I never had any such problems. Thank you for your help!
NADF quote on “Adrenal fatigue”
http://nadf.us/tools/ADRENAL_FATIGUE_HAND-OUT.pdf
Hello, It all started about 8 months ago when my symptoms first started appearing. My first symptom was unexplained paresthesia through my body, usually around the neck area and extremities. After a while, it got the point where my legs would start hurting (burning sensation) on the inside after standing up for a while. After driving home from work at night, I felt wired, as if I had consumed 2-3 cups of black coffee in one sitting. I had to leave my job because of this. There was a period in where these symptoms were beginning to subside but gradually came back so I also stopped exercising and lifting. In the past 5-6 months I have changed my diet drastically, experimenting with different things such as gluten-free paleo, vegan, and even raw foodist at some point. My symptoms remain the same. I constantly battle with fatigue, I have trouble waking up in the morning(cold hands and feet and shivers upon waking up), extremely low libido, loose stool, and brain fog. I have an appointment tomorrow with an endocrinologist but would like to hear from you first. What can I do in the meanwhile to alleviate these symptoms? What might be the root cause of all this? Thank you!
– Asael
You may have something else going on, Asael. I suggest finding a functional medicine doctor to help you figure out what is going on….
Hi Dr. Jill – I have a theory that i would love to get your opinion on? I believe that i have adrenal fatigue and also urinary retention. I have puffy eyes, especially on the bottom. I have Hashimotos any many other issues. I am trying to figure out the cause of the urinary retention and have noticed that when i get hyped up, such as when rushing for an important occasion, such as a wedding , funeral or such that i have a great release of my bladder when i am rushing to get ready for the occasion. I am wondering if it is the adrenal fatigue that is causing the retention and then when i am rushing around and using up my reserve energy , that is when my bladder releases the urine. Any input would be much appreciated, thank you!
Hi Mary
It sounds like your kidneys are the issue. I recommend getting tested to make sure there are no other causes of the edema
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill. I have suffered from chronic back pain off and on usually low back or near the top of my hips in the back. This has been going on for about the last 6 to 7 years. The only type of Imaging my doctors have done is an x-ray, which only showed very very mild arthritis. I am 36 years old, 5 foot 8 in tall, 135 lb. I feel like I am not taken seriously by my doctors, because I am not elderly or overweight. All they tell me to do is take muscle relaxers or ibuprofen, or do all these different stretches including physical therapy. Nothing helps. I am wondering if adrenal fatigue could be to blame for this. I only drink one cup of coffee in the morning. But I do eat a lot of sugar, and have for years. Do you think it would be beneficial to start taking an adrenal support product? Thank you very much for any help!
Hi Kristin,
Yes, low back pain can be related to adrenal dysfunction.
warmly
Dr Jill
HI
Was just wondering where the references are for the information you have displayed on your website. Can you please refer me to any studies or scientific data (especially anything evidence-based) that I can peruse to increase my knowledge about adrenal fatigue?
Thanks
Sure, I use PubMed
Thanks Jill
Did a quick search on PubMed but there weren’t any articles mentioning adrenal fatigue?! Do you by any chance have any specific resources I could review. I would really love to see the science on this subject. I’m a medical student and so interested in this topic.
Hi
I have this sudden onset of foggy brain 6 months after my septoplasty. I was very much stressed after septoplasty as i was not able to sleep for long time and later figured out Nasal irrigation helped me much better.
But this sudden onset of foggy brain become chronic for the last 3 years. Visited multiple doctors. Took Brain MRI, Multiple blood test, Vitamin B12 went down and had shots to recover, no kidney issues. All the blood test came back fine. Tried Yoga and meditation but no use. Insomnia & also sometimes sleeping more. Got many food allergies like Gluten and Dairy products. Tried sports & other exercises but no recovery. When i wake up in the morning i feel like i did not sleep and have the sensation of lightheadedness.
One thing i noticed is, if i dont eat in the night i feel much better without foggy brain in the morning and able to concentrate better.
You likely have endotoxemia, not adrenal fatigue
Which of these products help someone who has adrenal surges? Basically an overactive adrenal gland.
You may need something like Dr. Jill’s Cortisol Essentials to lower cortisol levels… call 303-993-7910 if you want to order.
Morning Dr Jill, I have a chronic pain in my uppar back bone just below the neck and it spread to the arms through the shoulders, especially when its called and I suspect this came about when I was being treatred for fungle infection. Could this be adrenaline fatigue
Hello , my period has been late for 3 months , have 3 viruses in my body at the moment / glandular fever one of them. Can this be the cause of my periods stopping since my adrenal system and immune system is weak ?
Dear Doctor Jill,
Would there be anyway I could talk with you? – I have a 17 year old son, that has SUFFERED for the last 7 years with Adrenal Fatigue… I have tried everything i know to do. – He has NO energy, depressed almost all the time. Has dropped out of school, cries most everyday. —- Can hardly get out of bed in the mornings… The medical system, just dont seem to care. You can only weigh , measure and take ones blood pressure so many times. – There has to be someone that can help us.- I’m a single father and its killing me to see him suffer this way.
By the way, my son is very intelligent, nice looking young man, when looking at him or having a conversation, one would never imagine how he’s hurting inside.
I’m begging you for some help or even someone in my area that you could refer us to. –
Thanks
Wm. P
Hi William
I am so sorry to hear about your plight… I am not accepting new patients currently but you may find another functional medicine doctor here http://www.functionalmedicine.org or check back in 6-12 months
warmly
Dr. Jill
I have literally 90% of the symptoms on that list. Groan. Have also had two clinical tests that indicate my cortisol is too high, after 5+ years of multiple stressors.
Need to get more serious about recovering from this. I rest when I can but need to do more. Thank you Dr. Jill.
Hi, do you take aetna?
You can read more here – we do not accept insurance.
Hi Jill. Great article. I am recovering from severe late stage neuro lyme, mold illness, MCAD, hashimotos ECT ECT. I’ve been fatigued for 20 years and looking back believe I had undiagnosed lyme that entire time. Anyway, I am responding to proper treatment for all of those and have came along way in the last 19 months. However, fatigue is still a daily battle. I have very low levels of cortisol during the day and am beyond exhausted. I nap most days between 2-4. I feel best energetically between 5-8, and get a second wind if I miss my bedtime window as you said in the article. Liposomal melatonin is helpong with that. My question is about supplements for adrenal fatigue/exhastion. I recently began Cortisol Health from Les Labs. It has many of the herbs you listed plus magnesium. It says to take before bed. After doing so for 2 weeks I had to stop! It has ashwagandha and rhodiola. It is keeping me up! I contacted them and asked about taking it in the morning and they told me keep taking at night. So I sent it back. So if one is in deep stages of fatigue with complete cortisol burnout (as I expect I am)….is the protocol the same as people who have elevated cortisol levels from adrenal fatigue beggining stages? Please help if you can. Many thanks!!!
Hi Dana,
Yes, these can both be stimulating to some patients.
warmly
Dr Jill