The Energy Thief

Adrenal dysfunction


"Adrenal fatigue" is a term that has been used to describe symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and nervousness. The term "adrenal dysfunction" is more apt. When women reach menopause, their bodies shift from an "ovarian centric" state to an "adrenal centric" state.  Our adrenal glands start to work extra hard with our modern lifestyles (chronic stress, the go, go go mentality, and lack of quality sleep). 

The adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys, play a critical role in regulating the body's response to stress by producing hormones such as cortisol, which helps the body manage stress and maintain various physiological processes. Symptoms of adrenal glands dysregulation include:

  1. Persistent fatigue
  2. Difficulty in waking up in the morning
  3. Cravings for salty or sugary foods
  4. Difficulty handling stress
  5. Decreased ability to concentrate
  6. Body aches and muscle pain
  7. Sleep disturbances
  8. Low blood pressure, especially upon standing
Lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and supplements can help alleviate these symptoms.
Another term for adrenal fatigue is HPA axis dysfunction. HPA axis stands for hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Stress involves not just the adrenal glands but also the central nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

It's essential for individuals who believe they may be experiencing symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue to consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms can have various causes, and it's crucial to rule out other potential medical conditions. Additionally, lifestyle and stress management strategies can help alleviate many of these symptoms, whether or not they are linked to adrenal fatigue and a functional medicine health coach can help.

If you suspect you may suffer from adrenal dysfunction, or have a particular issue you would like addressed through functional medicine and are interested in working together, or if simply wish to learn more, you can schedule a complementary discovery call with me!


 
 












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