Adrenal fatigue

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. These symptoms are thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to properly produce key hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

While adrenal fatigue is a popular concept, it is not an established medical diagnosis recognized by the mainstream medical community. There are a few reasons for this:

• There is no standard test or set of symptoms used to definitively diagnose adrenal fatigue


• The symptoms linked to adrenal fatigue are common and could be caused by many other conditions


• There is little scientific evidence demonstrating that mild dysfunction in the adrenal glands can actually cause systemic symptoms

However, supporters of the adrenal fatigue concept believe it deserves more research and attention. Integrative and functional medicine doctors may diagnose and treat adrenal fatigue based on symptoms, lifestyle factors, andsaliva or blood tests for key hormones like cortisol and DHEAS.

Common symptoms and causes

Common signs and symptoms reported with adrenal fatigue include:

• Fatigue and feeling "wired but tired"


• Body aches and muscle weakness


• Difficulty waking up and feeling drowsy during the day


• Cravings for salty or sugary foods


• Feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty coping with stress

Potential causes include acute or chronic stress, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, disrupted circadian rhythms, infections, and hormone imbalances.

If you experience any persistent, unexplained symptoms, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor to rule out potential medical issues. Identifying and addressing the root causes can help guide appropriate lifestyle changes and treatment options.

At Vitality Wellness Clinic, our functional medicine doctors can provide cutting-edge testing and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you regain your energy, health, and vitality!