Adrenal Fatigue

What is adrenal fatigue?

Your adrenal glands release your “fight or flight” hormones that help you get through temporary periods of physical or emotional stress. However, chronic stress, which is endemic in the modern lifestyle, causes your adrenal glands to work overtime. When your adrenal glands have to continuously operate, their function eventually slows. That leads to fatigue, a compromised immune system, and other disruptive symptoms.  

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What are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue causes a wide range of disruptive symptoms. Your experience with adrenal fatigue is unique, and you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Depression and anxiety symptoms

• Irritability

• Chronic inflammation

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Disrupted sleep

• Poor concentration and memory

You might also find that you always feel ill or run down. Women may feel like their premenstrual or menopausal symptoms increase in intensity. You may also have digestive symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea.

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What causes adrenal fatigue?

Imagine you are in a race with someone who is a stronger athlete than you. You run as fast as you can and keep up for a while, but eventually fatigue kicks in, your muscles begin to ache, and you slow down.

This is what chronic stress does to your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands are designed to provide a boost of energy and strength when you need it. However, if you’re constantly feeling stressed or under pressure, your adrenal glands are always trying to help you survive and eventually, they can’t keep up.

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How is adrenal fatigue treated?

Dr. Bonlie provides customized treatments to improve the way your body adapts to stress, as well as therapies and lifestyle modifications to help you reduce the stress in your life. Dr. Bonlie often prescribes herbal adaptogens to support healthy adrenal gland function. He also recommends nutritional supplements and vitamins to enhance your energy production and adrenal function.

He may also recommend alternative therapies to help you reduce and manage your stress levels. Depending on your individual needs, he may recommend adding exercise to your daily habits. Alternatively, he may suggest practicing meditation or yoga to learn to quiet and calm your mind. Often, therapy can teach you to manage negative and stressful thoughts.

In severe cases, Dr. Bonlie prescribes low doses of cortisone to supplement your body’s natural cortisol levels. Cortisone therapy needs to be monitored frequently to ensure you receive the correct dosage and your symptoms subside.

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Call or make an appointment online today to meet with Dr. Bonlie to learn more about adrenal fatigue.

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