Adrenal fatigue refers to when the adrenal glands are overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of cortisol and other hormones to properly regulate the body's stress response. This can occur after periods of high physical, emotional, or mental stress.
The adrenal glands produce key hormones including:
Signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include:
While not an officially recognized medical condition, some healthcare providers believe adrenal fatigue stems from chronically overworked adrenals. Contributing factors may include:
Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing underlying causes, while supporting adrenal function through lifestyle strategies like:
It's important to speak to your healthcare provider at Vitality Clinic to identify potential causes, rule out other conditions, and create a personalized treatment plan. Tracking symptoms in a journal can reveal lifestyle triggers to modify.
With time, adrenal fatigue can often be reversed through stress relief, rest, proper nutrition, and select supplements if warranted. Paying attention to supporting your body's innate resilience is key.