What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Have you been feeling restless and exhausted all the time? These two issues are often associated with adrenal fatigue – a term used to describe an array of symptoms. It is believed to be caused by chronic stress. Adrenal fatigue is sometimes loosely used to refer to adrenal insufficiency, a health problem in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones.

Adrenal fatigue is not a recognized health condition. However, it is still essential to know and understand, so you’ll know when it is necessary to visit a doctor.

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue refers to a group of symptoms often associated with chronic and uncontrolled stress. Some medical experts suggest that this term may refer to adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s Disease.

Adrenal insufficiency happens when your adrenal glands are not producing enough cortisol, the stress hormone, due to an autoimmune disease, infection, cancer, tumor, or tuberculosis. This condition is uncommon, but it can affect anyone. If left untreated, Addison’s Disease may lead to a life-threatening condition known as the Addisonian Crisis. This health problem causes low blood pressure, low blood sugar level, and high levels of potassium.

In some cases, adrenal fatigue does not point to adrenal insufficiency but other medical conditions like:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  • Diabetes
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue

The most common symptom associated with adrenal fatigue or insufficiency is tiredness. Other symptoms may not develop unless you are under physical stress. These symptoms are:

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Low blood pressure
  • Lightheadedness
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Body hair loss
  • Body pain
  • Fluid loss
  • Diarrhea

These symptoms typically slowly develop, so it is difficult to diagnose until an illness or injury happens, aggravating your condition. Severe and untreated cases of adrenal insufficiency may also cause these symptoms:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Kidney failure
  • Extreme weakness
  • Shock

Diagnosing And Treating Adrenal Fatigue

If you have adrenal insufficiency, your doctor may ask you to get blood and stimulation tests to check your adrenal hormone levels. Your primary care doctor may also recommend seeking an endocrinologist for further testing.

Your doctor may also check you for diabetes and thyroid issues since these conditions also cause some of the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. If you have no present endocrine disorder, you may also need to visit other specialists like:

  • Cardiologists
  • Urologists
  • Immunologists
  • Rheumatologists
  • Infectious disease doctors
  • Psychologists

It is critical to seek a doctor if you experience these symptoms because you could have a serious condition that needs treatment and management. A proper diagnosis can help you get the correct treatment to minimize complications and promote recovery.

The primary treatment for adrenal insufficiency is hormone replacement therapy. Lifestyle changes may also be necessary to ensure that you are not subjected to too much stress. This includes getting enough sleep and proper nutrition. Learning stress management and better-coping skills will also optimize brain and body function.

Adrenal Fatigue Treatment In Weatherford, TX

Adrenal fatigue may not be an actual medical condition, but it is still essential to have yourself checked. The symptoms associated with it can affect your daily functions and lead to complications.

Dr. Catherine Oseni at Alpha Care Wellness Center can help you get back to your healthy and regular daily routine. She is board-certified in integrative and functional medicine. She has years of experience and expertise in treating different health problems like adrenal fatigue. You may reach our clinic at (817) 550-6332 or visit us in Weatherford, Texas. You may also request a consultation now.

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