Adrenal fatigue refers to a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate levels of hormones like cortisol to meet the body's needs.
The adrenal glands produce over 50 different hormones that regulate a variety of essential functions. When functioning properly, the HPA axis provides the precise amount of cortisol needed to respond to stress. However, constant or excessive stress can disrupt this system, potentially leading to adrenal fatigue symptoms.
While some integrative medicine practitioners claim adrenal fatigue is responsible for these vague yet disruptive symptoms, it is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis according to conventional medicine. There are some who believe the condition is essentially a milder version of adrenal insufficiency, while others argue more research is needed.
So how do you treat adrenal fatigue? Given the uncertainty surrounding its existence as a unique condition, treatment focuses on managing symptoms individually versus addressing adrenal fatigue as whole.
Lifestyle measures like getting adequate rest, maintaining healthy nutrition, reducing stress, supplementing adaptogens and identifying and treating related issues are often helpful in improving well-being. Hormone replacement therapy may sometimes be utilized in more severe cases with doctor supervision.
At Peak Performance Hormone Institute, our clinicians specialize in the complex interplay between hormones, lifestyle and chronic symptoms. We provide cutting-edge lab testing and tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about evidence-based solutions for fatigue, hormone imbalance and optimizing wellness!