Chronic Fatigue

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the amount of stress exceeds the ability of the body to respond and recover from that stress. The stress is usually prolonged such as a job that requires long hours, or requires extensive travel. Or perhaps a divorce or loss of a loved one after a long illness. These long periods require the adrenals to stay engaged 24/7 never allowing them to rest and recover. Healthy adrenal glands secrete minute and precise amounts of steroid hormones. With adrenal fatigue, there is a deficiency in cortisol, which results in all the symptoms you are feeling. Because they are designed to be so responsive to change, any number of factors can interfere with their finely tuned balance. With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system is more profoundly affected.

How can I test my Adrenals to see if they are working properly?

Measuring saliva cortisol levels four times a day is an easy, accurate, at-home test to identify abnormal highs or lows of cortisol levels. Dr. Bastidas and the staff at True Lifelong Wellness can assist you with this test.

What are the signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?

Someone with adrenal fatigue does not feel awake until 10:00AM, has an afternoon low between 3:00 and 4:00PM, and feels better after the evening meal. Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate. These include difficulty getting up in the morning; continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep; craving for salt or salty foods; lack of energy; increased effort needed to do everyday tasks; decreased sex drive; decreased ability to handle stress; increased time to recover from illness, injury, or trauma; light-headedness when standing up quickly; mild depression; less enjoyment or happiness with life; increased PMS; thoughts less focused and more fuzzy; memory less accurate; decreased tolerance; decreased productivity.