The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you cannot live without, including sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone), steroid hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, pregnenalone, DHEA, aldosterone) and a number of intermediary hormones. Each of these hormones carries out specific functions in the body. They are in a constant state of ebb and flow depending on the body’s needs at the time.

In addition to helping you handle stress, these adrenal hormones help control body fluid balance, blood pressure, blood sugar, menstrual cycle, weight and other many other central metabolic functions. They are intricately connected to the nervous system and initiate our “fight or flight” or stress response.

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is a collection of signs and symptoms that is the result of the adrenal glands inability to produce enough hormones to supply the body’s demand. Often the glands will initially over-produce hormones and, as they become more fatigued, start under-producing them. There are 3 stages of adrenal fatigue, 1 being mild and 3 being the most severe.

Stage 1 – the alarm stage: a new situation is met with anxiety and surprise. Adrenal glands secrete higher amounts of adrenaline, cortisol and related hormones.

Stage 2 – the adaptation or resistance stage: begins when the stress is constant enough, to cause sustained excessive levels of certain adrenal hormones. This increases blood sugar levels to sustain energy and raises blood pressure.

Stage 3 – the exhaustion stage: the body’s ability to cope with the stress is now depleted. Adrenal hormones drop from excessively high to excessively low and the body experiences adrenal exhaustion. Mental, physical and emotional resources suffer heavily. The immune system is compromised inviting illness.

Any type of STRESS will affect your adrenal glands but there are some other factors to consider. Common adrenal stressors include:

• Negative emotions
• Overworking, physical or mental strain
• Excessive exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• Chronic inflammation
• Chronic infection
• Chronic pain
• Chronic illness
• Toxic exposure (chemicals, moulds, occupational exposure)
• Malabsorption
• Food or environmental allergies
• Hypoglycemia
• Nutritional deficiencies

Some common signs and symptoms that your adrenal glands are fatigued include:

• Nervousness, irritability and/or frustration
• Difficulty building muscle
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Abdominal obesity
• Hypoglycemia
• Craving for sweets
• Mental depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Tendency towards inflammation
• Indigestion
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Lack of energy
• Auto-immune diseases
• Light-headedness and dizziness upon standing
• Low blood pressure
• Poor resistance to infections
• Insomnia
• Food and/or inhalant allergies
• PMS
• Variety of skin issues
• Alcohol intolerance

Through cutting-edge functional lab testing it is possible to identify what stage of adrenal fatigue you are in, how it is affecting other hormones and the the total impact this is having on the rest of your body

Personalized functional medicine and lifestyle programs can  then integrate the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes along with customized supplementation to revitalize burnt out adrenal glands and restore balance

If you have been experiencing symptoms that may be connected with adrenal dysfunction and are looking for answers, schedule a FREE discovery appointment with us today!