10 Signs You May Have Adrenal Fatigue

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue 

Adrenal Fatigue (or Adrenal Insufficiency) occurs when your adrenal glands, the 2 small glands that sit on the top of your kidneys, become overworked and depleted.

The adrenal glands are responsible for handling the stresses of daily life, whether that be physical stress, emotional stress, or psychological stress. Thus, when your adrenal glands become overworked, they cannot keep up with the stresses of simple, everyday life. This is when you begin to present the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Signs of Adrenal Fatigue

Note that just because you have one or two of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency does not mean that you have adrenal fatigue. However, if you find you have the majority of these signs and symptoms then you may want to investigate further especially if you are or have been under a lot of stress.

You’ll want to learn some of the common causes of adrenal fatigue to see if you can identify with any of these causes in your own life. You’ll also want to see your doctor for a full medical workup and diagnosis of adrenal fatigue.

Here Are the Key Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

*Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms:

1.  You’re Tired for No Explainable Reason

People with adrenal fatigue experience extreme physical exhaustion, and they don’t have an explanation as to why – such as a strenuous workout. This isn’t just everyday tiredness; it is extreme exhaustion.

• It is important to rule out thyroid issues and also to treat existing thyroid issues since hypothyroidism will cause also fatigue in most patients.

2.  You Gain Weight Easily – Especially Around the Middle

People with adrenal fatigue often notice they gain weight very easily. They especially notice the extra weight around the middle – and it’s very hard to lose it.

3.  You Have Difficulty Rising in The Morning

Those with adrenal fatigue often find that they feel tired when getting up in the morning – even with a full night’s sleep. They often need stimulants like caffeine and sugar to ‘get going’ both in the morning and throughout the day.

4.  You’re More Susceptible to Flu and Colds

If you have adrenal fatigue, you may notice that you seem to be catching every flu and cold that comes within 10 feet of you.

You’ll also notice that it seems harder for your body to bounce back from illness.

5.  You Often Feel Overwhelmed and Run Down

People with adrenal insufficiency often feel run down and overwhelmed with the tasks they have to accomplish. They may feel as if they can’t keep up and do it all.

(This can lead to other symptoms like depression and social withdrawal)

6.  You May Crave Salty or Sweet Snacks

This may include high protein snacks like meat or cheese.

Many people with adrenal fatigue can have an increased craving for salt. You might also notice an intense craving for sweets and fast carbs like donuts, chocolate bars, pastries, ice cream etc.

 

7. A Less Stressful Environment Helps You Feel Better

Many people with adrenal insufficiency feel better when on vacation. Their symptoms may even clear up entirely, but then return when they go back to their normal lives.

8.  You Are Troubled by ‘Brain Fog’ or Inability to Concentrate

This may include things like the inability to remember certain details, appointments, etc. This may also include a feeling of confusion or difficulty concentrating.

These symptoms can also be similar to thyroid issues, so it is important to also have a full thyroid workup.

9. Increased PMS for Women

Women with adrenal disorder may find their periods become heavier and/or irregular. They may also notice increased PMS mood swings and/or food cravings.

10. Those are several key signs of adrenal fatigue. Other symptoms include:

• lightheadedness, especially upon standing
• tendency to tremble when under pressure
• reduced sex drive
• heart palpitations
• nervousness/raw nerves
• poor digestion
• feel most energetic in the evening when you should be feeling sleepy
• sleep disturbances

If you can identify with the majority of these adrenal fatigue symptoms you may want to look into adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency further.

Adrenal fatigue can be overcome and you can feel better. Listen to your body, cut back on stress and treat yourself well.

*The Adrenal Reset Diet:

A great resource is: The Adrenal Reset Diet: Strategically Cycle Carbs and Proteins to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, and Move from Stressed to Thriving

Why are people gaining weight faster than ever before? The idea that people simply eat too much is no longer supported by science. The emerging idea is that weight gain is a survival response. Our bodies are under attack from all directions—an overabundance of processed food, a polluted world, and the pressures of daily life all take their toll.  These attacks hit a little known but very important set of glands, the adrenals, particularly hard.

One of their many jobs is to maintain a normal cortisol rhythm (cortisol is a hormone associated with both stress and fat storage). When this rhythm is off, we can become overwhelmed more quickly, fatigued, gain weight, and eventually, develop even more severe health issues such as heart disease or diabetes. Unsuspecting dieters though cause more harm than good by reducing the number of calories or carbohydrates they consume which can disrupt cortisol production and cause more weight gain.

In The Adrenal Reset Diet, Dr. Alan Christianson provides a pioneering plan for optimal function of these small but powerful organs. His patient-tested weight-loss program is the culmination of decades of clinical experience and over 75,000 patient-care visits. In a study at his clinic, participants on the Adrenal Reset Diet reset their cortisol levels by over 50% while losing an average of over 2 inches off their waists and 9 pounds of weight in 30 days. What can you expect?

• Learn whether your adrenals are Stressed, Wired and Tired, or Crashed; and which adrenal tonics, exercises, and foods are best for you.
• The clinically proven shakes, juices, and other delicious recipes to use for your Reset.
• New ways to turn off the triggers of weight gain with carbohydrate cycling, circadian repair, and simple breathing exercises.
• An easy 7-day ARD eating plan to move you and your adrenals from Surviving to Thriving.