We have talked many times about the effects of stress on the body and the link between stress and hormones such as cortisol. Low adrenal function ( knowns as HPA dysfunction) is a common problem with the hectic pace of life and the unbalance between resting, relaxing and STRESSING! It may start out as difficulties sleeping or some weight gain around the waist or even simply fatigue. But if left long enough without addressing, HPA dysfunction can lead to severe cortisol depletion.
Low Adrenal function symptom check list:
1. Exercise makes you exhausted
In a healthy individual, exercise can be tiring but usually results in an improvement in energy and alertness. Those with low adrenal functioning or HPA dysfunction use up all available cortisol and energy to exercise and are left feeling depleted. If you need a nap after working out on a regular basis, or feels exhausted for a few days after exercise, think about looking at adrenal function. This leads to the next point…
2. You can't lose weight
You eat very cleanly and regularly and you work out 4-6 times per week with a combo of strength training, spin classes, running and even circuits. Weight loss is minimal to none and in fact some people even gain weight despite healthy diets and lifestyle. Note, there are other hormone imbalances that could be at play here as well.
3. Falling asleep or staying asleep is an effort
We all know that 8 hours is the goal and that hours before midnight count more than hours after midnight. However, when cortisol is used up in the day time, our normal rhythms become skewed resulting in difficulties with sleep. Fortunately there are some wonderful herbs and supplements to help this symptom while the adrenals are being repaired.
4. Mood swings
The feeling of being overwhelmed more easily than normal or even developing anxiety is associated with low adrenal functioning . This can result in highs and lows that are more amplified or reactions to situations being out of your norm. Some people feel their heart race as the adrenals pump out the stress hormones more easily and irregularly. Brain fog or inability to focus and think straight can also be noted.
5. Salt, Sugar and Caffeine
The adrenal glands play a role in salt and sugar regulation, and of course energy. When depleted, the body tends to crave what it feels it needs - so reaching for that bag of salty chips maybe your adrenals’ way of saying “HELP!”.
6. Other systems are off
Digestion can be unhappy and show it! Resulting in bloating, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea. Menstrual cycles can also be influenced by adrenal function resulting in irregularity, heavier flows and shorter cycles. Immune health can be down regulated meaning more colds and flus and allergies. Signs of blood sugar dysregulation such as hypoglycemia (“hangry”) may be attributed to adrenal functioning. Subclinical hypothyroidism is often a result of low adrenal function and is best treated by addressing the adrenals and thyroid together.
The best way to know how your adrenals are doing is by a 4-point saliva or urine analysis. Samples are taken at 4 times during the day because our levels of cortisol differ depending on the time of day. This information, along with a detailed medical and lifestyle history, will assess adrenal function and guide treatment options.
There are many ways to address the various stages and each involves lifestyle, dietary factors, supplementation and monitoring. Acupuncture and IV therapy can be a fantastic addition to a treatment protocol.
Book an appointment to discuss your health and get an assessment and personalized treatment options for your adrenal health.
