How to Determine if You Have Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, become overworked and cannot maintain the production of hormones such as cortisol so the body can handle stress properly. In most instances, adrenal fatigue begins after a stressful or emotional incident or while a person is experiencing high stress. Adrenal fatigue affects a health in many ways including physically, mentally and emotionally. People who experience adrenal fatigue symptoms should see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

Instructions

1. 

   Adrenal fatigue causes people to feel tired even when they get enough sleep.

   Look for a feeling of extreme physical exhaustion without any explanation. People with adrenal fatigue feel worn out even after sleeping for several hours. They also have trouble waking up in the morning and don't feel fully awake until 10 a.m., then feel tired again between 2 and 4 p.m.

2. Watch if you maintain strange hours. Adrenal fatigue sufferers have trouble getting started in the morning, have a burst of energy around 6 p.m., feel tired again between 9 to 10 p.m. and then feel awake from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Because of these strange hours, many adrenal fatigue sufferers prefer to work nights instead of mornings.

3. 

   Sugar cravings are a symptom of adrenal fatigue.

   Take notice if you crave salty and sweet foods. Adrenal fatigue causes the body to crave foods that are salty as well as foods high in sugar, like chocolate, and simple carbohydrates, like donuts. Too much salty and sugary food leads to weight gain and other health problems.

4. 

   Feeling overwhelmed at work or at home is a sign of adrenal fatigue.

   Be aware if you feel overwhelmed and unable to accomplish tasks. Adrenal insufficiency causes a person to feel he can't keep up with work and home responsibilities. Sighing is often a symptom of people with adrenal fatigue. Feeling overwhelmed can lead to depression or social withdrawal.

5. Determine if memory loss or your ability to concentrate is becoming more frequent. Adrenal fatigue causes people to become forgetful or feel confused. Loss of concentration may also occur on a regular basis.

6. Be aware if you have trouble dealing with stressful situations. Since the body can no longer produce enough cortisol due to adrenal fatigue, then it reduces a person's ability to handle stress properly.

7. 

   Weight gain, especially in the belly, is a sign of adrenal fatigue.

   Keep an eye on increased weight gain. Cravings for salty and sugary foods along with lack of energy increases weight gain in people with adrenal fatigue. Because hormone production is not working properly, weight gain generally occurs in the belly area placing you at risk of heart disease.

8. 

   People with adrenal fatigue catch colds and flu easily.

   Be aware if you are catching colds, flu and infections more often. When you're under constant stress and your adrenal glands are not functioning properly, you are more susceptible to catching colds and the flu. Also, it is harder for your body to recuperate after each illness.

9. Observe a change in your menstrual cycle. Women with adrenal fatigue expereince severe PMS symptoms and increased mood swings and food cravings. It also causes heavier or irregular periods.

10. Look for other symptoms. Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:

    • Low blood pressure

    • Lightheadedness

    • Reduced sex drive

    • Nervousness or constant shaking

    • Trembling

    • Sensitivity to cold

Tips & Warnings

• Eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting out sweets, salty foods and simple carbohydrates will alleviate some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

• Your symptoms may be the result of another illness, so see a doctor if you are experiencing several of these symptoms.

• Failure to treat adrenal fatigue can result in developing heart disease, a compromised immune system and diminished function of many body organs.

References

• Health Guidance "Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms"
• Project Aware "Adrenal Fatigue"