Adrenal fatigue has been proposed for a number of years as part of the cause of Fibromyalgia. It is difficult to say how it rates in order of importance as an underlying cause, because it also develops as a concurrent problem due to any chronic illness. By the time any patience is diagnosed or discovers through their own research that they have Fibromyalgia, they have frequently developed chronic fatigue or lethargy. Not a surprise really. Many of the underlying causes for chronic fatigue are the same for Fibromyalgia. Adrenal fatigue is often the result of chronic stress or lack of recovery from normal stress such as good sleep. Under normal conditions the body increases excretion of nor-epinephrine epinephrine (same as adrenaline), and cortisol. Normal levels of these neurotransmitters and hormones help feel like we are able to handle the stress. We have both the physical and mental coping ability to deal with and recover from stress. Chronic or lingering stress strains the adrenal gland and central nervous system(CNS) leading to a slow depletion of cortisol, and the catecholamine’s, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. Low levels result in fatigue and of feeling of being too easily overwhelmed by what used to be normal or average stressors. Lab testing is required here to determine the presence and extent of the adrenal fatigue. Many types of testing exist from straight measurement of cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline in differing sources including urine, saliva, and blood or serum. Cortisol is frequently measured in saliva throughout the day in order to assess the baseline and circadian rhythm. Cortisol should be highest in the morning at rising and in the first few hours of the day. It follows a bell shape curve and reduces toward a steady baseline toward the late afternoon and through the night. A flat or low bell curve indicates adrenal fatigue. Typically 4 saliva samples at varying times of the day help to extrapolate the curve. Samples are taken at 8am, 12 noon, 4pm, and 10pm for example. This same curve or rhythm can be assessed using blood or serum samples throughout the day or simply as a single sample in the morning. If the curve or single sample of cortisol is low, adrenal fatigue is present. Low DHEA-sulfate in saliva, urine and also indicate possible adrenal fatigue. Also, low DHEA-s, can also be an indicator for hormone imbalance and deficiency. The other extremely valuable test is a serum catecholamine test measuring nor-epinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine. Low nor-epinephrine and epinephrine are indicators for adrenal fatigue. These central and peripheral neurotransmitters are also found present in many other health concerns such as sleep disorders, depression, dysthymia, and inability in managing stress. When treated correctly, adrenal function can return to normal very quickly. Best outcomes occur when both the catecholamines and cortisol are assessed. Treatment to restore adrenals includes targeted amino acid therapy and herbs with specific actions which increase output of nor-epinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol.
Read on for the more articles about Fibromyalgia…>>>Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia
