The Many Causes of Fatigue - Part II - Adrenal Fatigue

Has Chronic Stress Led to Adrenal Exhaustion? When you think about the adrenal glands, you should think about stress. Stress can take many forms: taking an examination, recovering from a broken bone, running away from an invading army, or maintaining proper levels of energy substrates in the face of even mild starvation. For human males, there is even considerable stress associated with shopping. The adrenal produces three major classes of hormones, each of which aid in dealing with the multitude of small and large stresses faced by animals and people almost daily. There is no doubt that at least two of these groups - glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids - are necessary for life. Stress takes its tole on the adrenals leading to Stage I to Stage IV adrenal exhaustion. The following products and programs have proven successful in rebuilding the adrenal glands and restoring energy levels. We strongly recommend the Adrenal Stress Index Test to see the current state of your adrenal glands. A second option is to combine Adrenal testing with Neurotransmitter testing. We find re-balancing and restoring the neuro-endocrine system and dramatically improve quality of life. Really. Importance of Adrenal Function The Adrenals are two small endocrine glands, whose location is directly above each of the kidneys. The proper functioning of these glands is essential to our overall health and sense of well-being. They are of primary concern in matters of energy production, stamina, blood sugar regulation, emotional balance, ability to cope with stress, thyroid activity (indirect effect on metabolic rate), sensitivity to allergens (allergy producing substances) and the regulation of inflammatory processes. Fatigue Many people complain of fatigue as a primary symptom, often complicated by other health concerns. When the attention is focused to the endocrine system in fatigued individuals, eight times out of ten the signs and symptoms are a result of insufficient adrenal reserves. In simple terms, weak or tired adrenal glands. In most cases this condition develops gradually, due to a host of factors.

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue Excessive long term stress, insufficient rest, insufficient consumption of protein, insufficient consumption of vitamin C, overuse of caffeine, sugar and other stimulants, long term or frequent use of Canabis, history of Cocaine or Amphetamine abuse, chronic illness or congenital adrenal insufficiency. Of the above, the most common causes of adrenal insufficiency by far are excessive stress, over consumption of stimulants and late bedtime.

Other Considerations Chronic unresolved stress has a predictable result in our body. In our clinic we see this every day and have found these conditions to be easily treated when proper testing and targeted treatments are used.

Testing for Adrenal Function Over the years the natural healing community has come to regard salivary testing as an excellent and reliable way to asses adrenal activity. Four separate samples are taken throughout the day to see the diurnal rhythm. The The Adrenal Stress Index(TM) (ASI(TM) is one such test that we often have used. Four saliva samples are used in the ASI(TM) for the following ten tests:

1. 4 x Cortisol- Helps evaluate stress response


2. 2 x Insulin- Helps investigate blood sugar control


3. DHEA- Helps determine stress adaptation


4. Secretory IgA- Helps evaluate toll on immunity


5. 17-OH Progesterone- Helps determine adrenal reserve


6. Gluten Antibodies- Helps identify grain intolerance

Advantages of the ASI(TM)

• The test is non-invasive & can be performed wherever you are.


• Saliva is collected under real life conditions. There are no stressful blood draws and no gallon sized urine containers to carry around for 24 hours.


• With blood and urine testing, a number of borderline adrenal conditions are missed due to lack of sensitivity. This is not the case with the ASI(TM) because samples are taken within one circadian cycle and the more definitive free fraction is measured.


• The ASI(TM) is an in-depth test, such that options for treatment are expanded by 400-500% over serum and urine test results.

(Note: The ASI(TM) was invented and introduced by Diagnos-Techs, Inc. in 1989. All other panels offered on the market are copies.)

Abnormal adrenal rhythm can influence:

• Energy Production


• Bone Health


• Immune System Health


• Sleep Quality


• Skin Regeneration


• Thyroid Function


• Muscle and Joint Function


• Do you need the ASI(TM) Test?

To determine if the ASI(TM) is the appropriate test for assessing your health condition, ask your physician for a stress questionnaire. The score can help your doctor determine a course of action.

Adrenal tests are mostly ordered for individuals that suffer from:

• Chronic stress and related health problems


• Lack of vitality and energy


• Muscle and joint pain


• Hypoglycemia


• Migraine headaches


• Osteoporosis


• Sleep disturbances


• Poor memory


• Alcohol intolerance


• Stress maladaptation


• Low sex drive


• Low body temperature

Products and Programs that May Help. Chronic unresolved stress has a predictable result in our body. In our clinic we see this every day and have found these conditions to be easily treated when proper testing and targeted treatments are used. There are many recognized natural therapies that support the bodies ability to cope with stress. These generally fall into several categories

1. Direct hormonal support with products containing cortisol - Very useful for short term therapy.


2. Adrenal glandulars - useful but not as effective at rapidly raising energy levels.


3. Herbal adaptogenics - very useful for long term use.


4. Herbal supplements to prolong the existing cortisol levels


5. Anti-stress products - helping the body to cope with the various types of stress that we experience.


6. Sleep aides - a good nights sleep is necessary to restore adrenal function.

The Many Causes of Fatigue Fatigue can have many causes. Overcoming fatigue, on a consistent basis requires that the underlying causes be understood and addressed.

Below you will find the most common causes of fatigue. Generally when these areas are addressed energy levels come up and the feelings of vitality and well being increase. In our clinic we ask a number of questions on every visit to asses the overall subjective experience of health and well being. These questions are on a scale of 1-10 with 7 being what we consider good health. Many of our patients come to us because their subjective experience of energy and vitality is below 7, often below 4. If your energy levels are below 7/10 or if you want to raise your energy levels even higher then you may want to consider the following areas. The list is not exhaustive but does cover the vast majority of cases.

• Adrenal Fatigue & Adrenal Exhaustion


• Blood Sugar Imbalances


• Food Allergies and Gluten Sensitivity


• Heavy Metals


• Hormone Depletion


• Hypo-Thyroid


• Mitochondrial Dysregulation


• Neurotransmitter Exhaustion


• Parasites


• Vitamin/Mineral/Fatty Acid/Amino Acid Deficiencies


• Yeast and Fungus Infections

Fortunately these can all be diagnosed and treated.The first step is to determine the underlying cause of the fatigue and then to address the specific systems involved. The following products and tests can be of great help to you in overcoming fatigue so that you can feel good again.  

What We Recommend:

1. Adrenal Testing - to determine and monitor adrenal function


2. Comprehensive adrenal support programs.


3. Stress reduction.