The adrenal glands are our “flight or fight” glands. They
are responsible for producing hormones that help modulate the stress response through
maintaining normal blood sugar, inflammatory responses, immune function,
hormonal levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance.
The three classes of hormones that the adrenal glands
produce are:
Glucocorticods, such
as cortisol, which regulates energy, blood sugar, hormonal balance, growth,
sleep, and inflammation.
Mineralcorticoids,
such as aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure by normalizing mineral and
water output in the body.
Catecholamines, such
as adrenaline, which regulates heart rate, blood flow, and blood sugar.
Recently, Dr. Mercola posted an article discussing adrenal
fatigue as one of the main causes of fatigue in today’s society. This condition
manifests when the adrenals are no longer able to keep up with the body’s
physiological response to chronic stressors. I think you would agree
that stress definitely impacts most Americans from a variety of modern day
factors.
Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue that I see in my practice
are not just related to fatigue. I have seen sleep issues, hot flashes,
hormonal issues, low libido, cravings, weight gain, anxiety or mood imbalances,
chronic inflammatory disorders, hypoglycemia and blood sugar imbalances, and
many other conditions not commonly associated with the adrenal glands, improve
with attention to these vital glands.
The conventional test to diagnosis adrenal pathology, the
ACTH test, unfortunately doesn’t measure the function of the adrenals glands.
Rather, it is a diagnostic for severe pathology of the adrenals such as
Addison’s or Cushing’s disease. However, case history, symptoms, other lab
markers, and salivary tests through a licensed integrative practitioner can be used in order to
determine if the issue of your fatigue (or other conditions that have not been
responsive to treatment), are due to tired adrenal glands.
My Naturopathic and functional training involves looking at
the cause of the dysfunction, rather than covering symptoms; therefore, I see a
lot of tired adrenal glands. Primary complaints usually doesn’t resolve
completely unless these important glands are supported. I use a variety of
tools such as relaxation techniques, herbal adaptogens, whole food nutrition,
and high quality nutraceuticals.
For research references on this topic or to read the full
article mentioned, go to: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/05/Most-Common-Cause-of-Fatigue-that-is-Missed-or-Misdiagnosed-by-Doctors–.aspx
And be sure to check my webpage for past articles on the
same topic which also includes references and tips: dr-lobisco.com
In health,
Dr. Sarah
