The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. Â They are responsible for the production of several hormones, in particular: epinephrine, cortisol and aldosterone. Â These hormone have effects on the body that range from modulating stress, flight or fight conditions, sleep and wake cycles as well as water retention or elimination to name a few.
Adrenal dysfunction or no more understood as, Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrendal Dysfunction, is the inadequate or excessive or imbalanced production of hormones that impact the adrenal gland. Sumbunal of patients have some degree of  dysfunction.  This can be seen as a clinical disorder and as a contributing factor to chronic illness. Stress can affect adrenals, which affects cortisol and hormone production.  Stressors are additive and cumulative; the more and greater the intensity and longer the duration of each stress will lead to a greater cumulative stress load.
Burning the candle at both ends, all work without rest and play, compounded with stress resulting in a “burned out person.”
Signs and Symptoms include:
Fatigue
- Wake tired in spite of sleeping many hours
- Energy burst during the day
- Mid day fatigue and desire to take a nap
- Second wind in the evening
- Sleepy at 8pm and awake at 10pm
Tired after exertion
Mild depression
Lethargy
- Decreased ability to handle stress
Muscular weakness
Decreased libido
- Swollen ankles-worse in the evening
- Lightheadedness upon rising
- Frequent sighing
- Immune dysfunction –Â allergy-histamine reaction
Excess abdominal weight
Crave salt and salty food
Irritability
Cravings for stimulants
Cravings for caffeine, nicotine, sugar, carbohydrates and fats
At Ai Vida Health we test using a series of labs. Â We typically treat our patients for adrenal fatigue using nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements, adaptogenic herbs and bio-identical hormones; restoring health and balance into their lives.
Returning to health and balance is a process and recovery can take months and it’s important to remember to maintain these healthy lifestyle changes, in order to have a healthy and abundant life.
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