Adrenal Fatigue Treatment

As the name suggests, fatigue is the dominant symptom. Adrenal fatigue is not recognized by western medicine but is in fact both real and very treatable especially working within the realm of naturopathic medicine.

UNDERSTANDING ADRENAL HEALTH

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a state in which the adrenal glands fail to generate sufficient hormones because of prolonged periods of extreme stress without proper rest. This can lead to symptoms like feeling sick, fatigued, and unable to manage even minor stressors. The adrenal glands are vital in aiding the bodys response to stress and keeping equilibrium in bodily reactions. Hormones produced by the adrenals assist in controlling various metabolic functions and guarding against inflammation and swelling in reaction to diverse circumstances.

The utilization of carbohydrates and fats
The conversion of fats and proteins into energy
The distribution of stored fat – especially around your waist (the spare tire) and at the sides of your face
Normal blood sugar regulation
Proper cardiovascular function
Gastrointestinal function

After mid-life (menopause in women, andropause in men), the adrenal glands gradually become the major source of the sex hormones circulating throughout the body in both men and women. These hormones themselves have a whole host of physical, emotional and psychological effects, from the level of your sex drive to the tendency to gain weight.

Adrenal fatigue can wreak havoc with your life. In more serious cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that you may have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected. Changes occur in your carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and even sex drive. Many other alterations take place at the biochemical and cellular levels in response to, and to compensate for, the decrease in adrenal hormones that occurs with adrenal fatigue.


Aside from gathering a thorough medical history, evaluating for adrenal imbalances may require blood tests or a 4-point salivary cortisol test for a more comprehensive assessment. Treatment is often  very effective and includes the use of adaptogenic herbs, supplementation with specific vitamins and minerals, optimizing sleep habits in alignment with our natural body clock, limiting screen time, improving overall nutrition with whole foods, and occasionally recommending intravenous vitamin infusions. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, but these are fundamental principles to consider.



Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal Fatigue leads to lower levels of a number of hormones, and those hormones can affect every part of your body. So every case of adrenal fatigue tends to present itself slightly differently, although there are almost always common symptoms and experiences.

Common:
Feeling unrefreshed in upon waking, even after a long sleep
Intense fatigue
Inability to deal with stress
Craving salty foods
Weakened immune system
Feeling quite wired/ agitated, yet tired
Other:

  • Asthma, allergies or respiratory complaints

  • Dark circles under the eyes

  • Dizziness

  • Dry skin

  • Extreme tiredness an hour after exercise

  • Frequent urination

  • Joint pain

  • Lines in your fingertips

  • Loss of muscle tone

  • Low blood pressure

  • Low blood sugar

  • Low sex drive

  • Lower back pain

  • Numbness in your fingers / Poor circulation

  • Weight gain

T H E   I M P A C T   O F   S T R E S S   O N   B L O O D   S U G A R

Blood Sugar Balance and Sugar Metabolism

Adrenal fatigue can affect blood sugar and sugar metabolism as stress normally causes the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, which helps raise blood sugar levels so the cells can more glucose to generate energy for your response to the stressor. The elevated blood sugar, in turn, requires higher levels of insulin to get the glucose from the blood into the cells. When this cycle is repeated frequently, the cells may become insulin resistant to protect themselves from too much glucose, especially when no energy-consuming physical action is taken in response to the stress. The greater the insulin resistance, the more insulin it takes to get glucose into the cells. In this way, chronic or repeated stress can contribute to persistent insulin resistance, and the resulting high levels of glucose (hyperglycemia) and insulin circulating in the blood that are likely precursors to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Testing for Adrenal Fatigue

Dr. Smith will likely order blood work, but in some cases salivary cortisol levels taken at four different times over the course of the day (a kit you take home) is a better option for a more detailed survey of adrenal function. Usually Dr. Smith will also assess some other adrenal hormones in her lab work such as DHEA. Both blood and salivary tests are equally sensitive when testing cortisol levels.

H O L I S T I C   A P P R O A C H E S   T O   H E A L I N G   A D R E N A L   F A T I G U E

Treatments for Adrenal Fatigue

Treatments for adrenal fatigue vary from using certain botanical medicines – which certainly will always play a major role, to using intravenous vitamin therapy. Usually this combination very quickly delivers results that both address the symptoms and nourish your adrenals back to optimal function. Additionally, patients usually need some blood sugar support and dietary changes to support stabilizing and decreasing insulin resistance while healing the adrenal glands.

Bioidentical hormone therapy works importantly and symbiotically with other adrenal fatigue treatment interventions to also support and balance normal sex hormone levels. Often with hormones we must come at a few of them simultaneously to achieve lasting results and regain optimal function, however it does require expertise. Additionally, many botanical medicines are not safe in conjunction with conventional drugs, so it is crucial to see a licensed naturopathic doctor when using herbs as medicine.

THE PROCESS

How to get started

Your journey towards a balanced, vibrant life begins with a choice—a choice to prioritize your health and well-being. Let's explore together how natural hormone treatment can unlock your fullest potential.

01

BOOK A CONSULTATION

If you're on the fence about jumping into your naturopathic health journey, feel free to book a free 10-minute consultation call with me. 

02

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Your initial health assessment is your first appointment which is one hour. We will discuss your medical history, family medical history, lifestyle, discuss your goals, review any lab work you may have sent ahead of time, do a deep dive on your concerns and order lab work if necessary. Then I provide a comprehensive strategic plan which may include nutrition and exercise changes, herbs or supplements, and hormone replacement therapy or other prescriptions as indicated and referrals if indicated.

03

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS

In your follow-up appointments, we will go over any changes you have noticed and make adjustments accordingly to your plan, and do refills as required.  These visits vary in length and this depends on what is requried.