Adrenal fatigue is a syndrome characterized by a group of symptoms that occur when the adrenal glands are not functioning at their optimal level. The syndrome is not recognized by conventional doctors of mainstream medicine, but information is available from alternative health care practitioners in the natural medicine field. A prolonged period of adrenal fatigue can lead to adrenal insufficiency, and eventually to Addison's disease, if symptoms are not properly identified and treated. Adrenal fatigue can mimic other conditions such as hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, so if you think you may be suffering from this condition, see a health care practitioner for a diagnosis.
Stress
The most common symptom associated with adrenal fatigue is how a person reacts to stress, according to Life123.com. Each person perceives and reacts to stress in her own way, but all stress is felt by the adrenal glands and their hormones, including cortisone, testosterone and adrenalin. As stress builds in a person's life and adrenal hormones can become depleted, leaving a person with few defenses against the perceived onslaught of daily living. Life123.com points out that small adjustments and reductions in adrenal hormones can't be detected by conventional blood tests, but symptoms can be identified by a practitioner familiar with this syndrome.
Fatigue
Morning bouts of fatigue with difficulty in feeling fully awake can indicate adrenal fatigue, according to the Natural News website. Many people need stimulants like coffee and caffeinated drinks to give them enough energy with which to function. Nonetheless, many people feel generally unwell, with bouts of weakness occurring on and off throughout the day.
Sleepiness
A lack of energy and feelings of sleepiness also characterizes this syndrome. Lows in the mid afternoon and early evening are common. Sleepiness alternating with bursts of energy is also common. Some people finally wake up in the late afternoon or early evening, only to become exhausted at 10 p.m. A second wind may hit them at about 11 p.m., lasting for hours and keeping them awake.
Depression and Mood Changes
According to Natural News, depression is another characteristic of adrenal fatigue, along with a lessened ability to cope with stressful situations. This may be accompanied with frequent sighing and a decreased sex drive. Increased problems with the menstrual cycle and menopausal difficulties can occur, including mood changes.
Food Sensitivities and Cravings
An imbalance in the body's electrolytes and carbohydrate balance may contribute to a craving for salt or sodium-rich foods and foods high in fat. The body may not be able to tolerate foods high in potassium or carbohydrates, especially those made from white flour, unless they are eaten in combination with fats. Weakness and lightheadedness upon standing up from a seated position may also occur, according to Life123.com.
Back Pain
If you palpate or massage the area of your mid back over the kidneys and it is a painful, it may indicate problems with the adrenal glands.
Irregular Pupil Dilation
Using a flashlight and a mirror, shine the light into one eye while looking in a mirror. The pupil should contract. If it stays the same after 30 seconds, or dilates, you likely have adrenal fatigue or possible adrenal insufficiency.
Irregularities With Blood Pressure
Using a home blood pressure monitor, take your blood pressure while seated. After noting the reading, stand up and repeat, taking it a second time. The top number, the systolic blood pressure, should rise by at least 8 to 10mm. If it doesn't, or it drops, you may have adrenal insufficiency and should consult a medical practitioner. This test is known as Ragland's Sign.
