Adrenal Fatigue and How To Treat It.

What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a condition which occurs after prolonged periods of extreme stress. The types of stress can range from work stress and relationship stress to physical stress caused by excessive exercise.

There are many hormones involved in the process of developing fatigue, but the major hormone responsible is cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is released to improve our alertness, energy, blood pressure and sugar levels. Along with cortisol, we also have an increase in our norepinephrine and epinephrine- both of which help us in fight or flight situations.

The release of these three major compounds results in changes in our normal metabolic and circadian rhythms, resulting in an initial increase in energy and flow of ideas, followed by sleeplessness or waking up continually throughout the night and hormone imbalances.

What are the symptoms?

There are four main stages of adrenal fatigue which result from various changes in our cortisol levels. Each stage is then recognized by different groups of symptoms.

Stage 1: “Wired for sound”

In this stage, the cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels are incredibly high. This leads to the individual having excessive energy with excessive flow of ideas. Usually in this stage we have our typical “A-type personality” traits and there is a massive need for coffee. Typical phrases of individuals in this phase of burnout include “I need to work throughout the night to finish this project”, “if I stop now, I’ll forget my new idea”, “I need I cup of coffee”

Stage 2: “Wired but Tired”

This stage is characterized by two different phases. Initially there are high cortisol levels with low levels of our neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine). Individuals in this stage typically present with excessive allergies and constantly come down with colds and flu. This is as a result of their immune systems becoming weaker due to the high levels of cortisol.

After this phase, there is a decrease in cortisol levels but an increase in neurotransmitter levels. Once individuals are in this phase they become excessively irritable and have plenty of angry outbursts. There are extremely high levels of inflammation, resulting in increased joint and muscle pain. Due to the high levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, they will usually also experience extreme anxiety. In this stage, an important steroid hormone known as DHEA decreases resulting in a drop in testosterone and oestrogen levels. This can result in irregular menstrual periods.

Stage 3: Complete adrenal burnout

In this stage cortisol, DHEA and neurotransmitters levels are all incredibly low. The adrenals have completely collapsed. Patients in this stage will feel extreme exhaustion, have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and may even experience symptoms of depression. Any emotional or physical stress will result in a complete physical and emotional collapse.

How to fight adrenal fatigue naturally