Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is a disorder of low energy and motivation that is suspected to arise from either chronic emotional stress or as the result of living with a chronic disabling medical condition or infection such as Lyme disease. In its worst expression, it results in Addison’s disease, a complete or near-complete inability of the adrenal gland to secrete the glucocorticoid hormone known as cortisol. In the absence of cortisol, it feels impossible even to get out of bed or take a shower without feeling absolutely exhausted for the remainder of the day. Cortisol is a vital hormone needed for normal day-to-day functioning and optimal health.
At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors, we understand how frustrating persistent fatigue, low motivation, and chronic exhaustion can be. Our team takes a comprehensive approach to identifying the underlying causes of adrenal dysfunction rather than simply masking symptoms.
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 the order of importance as an underlying cause because it also develops as a concurrent problem due to many chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease and now Long COVID. By the time many patients are diagnosed or discover through their own research that they may have adrenal fatigue, they have frequently already been diagnosed with related disorders such as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme disease, or depression.
How Chronic Stress Affects the Adrenal Glands
Chronic or lingering stress strains the adrenal glands and central nervous system (CNS), leading to a slow depletion of cortisol and the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. Many of the underlying causes for adrenal fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome are hidden viral, parasitic, bacterial, and fungal infections that can be difficult to identify with standard testing.
As already stated, adrenal fatigue is often the result of chronic stress or the body’s inability to recover from ongoing physical or emotional stress. Under normal conditions, the body increases production of norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and cortisol when we are under stress. Healthy levels of these neurotransmitters and hormones help us adapt to life’s challenges without becoming overwhelmed or exhausted.
However, living with a chronic, undiagnosed infection or toxic exposure, such as mold, may initially cause an overproduction of stress hormones before eventually depleting those reserves. This depletion can lead to persistent fatigue, reduced resilience, and feeling overwhelmed by everyday stressors that were once manageable.
Human beings are designed to recover from short-term stress. When emotional stress persists or a chronic illness lasts beyond several months, the body may enter a prolonged stress response that eventually results in burnout. Other common symptoms that may accompany adrenal dysfunction include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Difficulty recovering from physical or emotional stress
- Feeling overwhelmed by routine tasks
- Poor sleep quality
- Non-restorative sleep
- Low motivation
- Brain fog
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the providers at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa, Arizona, can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether adrenal dysfunction or another underlying condition may be contributing to your fatigue.
Testing for Adrenal Fatigue
Laboratory testing is often used to determine the presence and extent of adrenal dysfunction. Several testing methods are available, including measurement of cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline through saliva, urine, or blood testing.
Cortisol is frequently measured in saliva throughout the day to assess both baseline levels and the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Under healthy conditions, cortisol should be highest in the morning upon waking and gradually decline throughout the day, forming a bell-shaped curve. A flattened or consistently low curve may suggest impaired adrenal function.
Typically, four saliva samples collected throughout the day, such as at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, are used to evaluate this pattern.
The same rhythm may also be evaluated using blood or serum samples collected throughout the day or with a single morning cortisol measurement. A low cortisol level may indicate adrenal dysfunction, while an elevated morning cortisol level may suggest the early stages of chronic stress. Identifying these changes early may allow for interventions before more significant adrenal exhaustion develops.
Additional Laboratory Evaluation
Low DHEA-sulfate levels measured in saliva, urine, or blood may also indicate possible adrenal fatigue, although low DHEA-S can also reflect hormone imbalances or deficiencies.
Another valuable assessment is a serum catecholamine test measuring:
- Norepinephrine
- Epinephrine (adrenaline)
- Dopamine
Low norepinephrine and epinephrine levels may be associated with adrenal dysfunction. These neurotransmitters are also involved in many other health concerns, including sleep disorders, depression, dysthymia, and difficulty managing stress.
When adrenal dysfunction is properly identified, adrenal function may improve significantly with individualized treatment. The best outcomes often occur when both catecholamines and cortisol are evaluated together. Treatment may include targeted amino acid therapy, herbal support, nutritional interventions, lifestyle modifications, and addressing any underlying infections, inflammation, or toxic exposures contributing to chronic stress on the body.
Find the Root Cause of Your Fatigue
If you’re constantly exhausted, struggling with stress, or feeling like your energy never returns no matter how much you rest, East Valley Naturopathic Doctors can help identify the underlying causes of your symptoms. Our providers take a whole-body approach by evaluating hormone function, nutritional status, chronic infections, inflammation, toxic exposures, and other contributing factors that may be affecting adrenal health.
Schedule a consultation today to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan designed to restore your energy and improve your overall well-being.
Restore Your Energy with Our Adrenal Rejuvenation Program
At East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa, Arizona, our Adrenal Rejuvenation Program is designed for patients experiencing chronic fatigue, burnout, persistent stress, or symptoms of adrenal dysfunction. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, the program addresses the underlying contributors to adrenal imbalance through comprehensive testing, individualized treatment protocols, nutritional support, targeted supplementation, lifestyle recommendations, and ongoing guidance from our experienced naturopathic physicians.
If you’re ready to regain your energy, improve your resilience to stress, and get back to feeling like yourself again, contact East Valley Naturopathic Doctors today to learn whether our Adrenal Rejuvenation Program is right for you.