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Adrenal Fatigue in Women

Too many women go through life experiencing unpleasant symptoms like decreased energy, depression or low mood, decreased sex drive, and lower tolerance for stress without realizing there is help. In many cases, these women are misdiagnosed with other conditions, or their symptoms are treated without addressing the underlying problem: adrenal fatigue.

The adrenal glands are a pair of small glands that sit atop the kidneys. Although they have a number of functions, they are chiefly responsible for producing the “stress hormone” cortisol, which controls your “fight or flight” response. In response to a stressor, the adrenal glands pump out extra cortisol. The extra cortisol prepares the body to fight or run by narrowing blood vessels, increasing heart rate and perspiration, and heightening senses. Aside from cortisol, the adrenal glands in women also produce smaller amounts of other hormones including pregnenolone, adrenaline, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, and estrogen.

This short-term reaction to stress is essential for dealing with dangerous situations. However, in today’s world, more and more women are under chronic, low-grade stress, meaning their adrenal glands are continuously producing high levels of cortisol. Over time, the body becomes immune to this increased cortisol, and the adrenal glands work harder to produce even more of it. Eventually, the adrenal glands become compromised, or exhausted, and can no longer produce adequate levels of any adrenal hormones.

The result? Widespread hormone imbalance and a host of unpleasant symptoms.

Aside from stress, adrenal exhaustion is also closely related to lifestyle factors such as eating a poor diet, lack of exercise, poor nutritional status, and lack of sleep.

Adrenal Fatigue in Women

Women are at higher risk for adrenal fatigue than men, and it can have wider ranging consequences. Low cortisol due to adrenal fatigue often results in disturbance in the levels of other hormones in women such as progesterone and thyroid hormone. Likewise, hormone imbalance caused by perimenopause and menopause may lead to chronic stress that worsens adrenal fatigue. For these women, the symptoms of adrenal fatigue—exhaustion, lack of interest in sex, anxiety, and others—are added to and compounded by the symptoms of hormone imbalance.

Because adrenal function is so closely related to thyroid function and steroid hormone status, many women are misdiagnosed as hypothyroid or suffering from perimenopause when in fact the problem is their adrenal glands. The only way to correctly diagnose adrenal fatigue is to consult with a qualified physician and undergo a battery of comprehensive tests. The doctors are Genemedics Health Institute are expert at identifying and treating adrenal exhaustion.

Treating Adrenal Fatigue in Women

Healthy adrenal function is closely related to lifestyle, so the first step to treating adrenal fatigue is to make lifestyle changes to support your adrenal glands. Certain foods and supplements rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B5, B6, B12, and magnesium have been shown to support healthy adrenal function. Low-impact exercise such as walking, biking, yoga, and swimming can also help reduce stress and restore adrenal function. You should, however, avoid high-impact activities like cross fit training, which can add to the burden on the adrenal glands. Finally, you should actively pursue stress-reduction techniques including mindfulness exercises, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is also highly recommended in many cases to help correct hormone imbalance. Because the adrenal glands are intimately involved in producing a wide range of steroid hormones, adrenal exhaustion can result in deficiencies or imbalance in hormones including estrogen, DHEA, and progesterone. A Genemedics physician can help identify these imbalances and develop a personalized plan to correct for any underlying hormone imbalance while simultaneously addressing the adrenal exhaustion.

Adrenal Fatigue in Men

The adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands located on top of each kidney. Known as the body’s “shock absorbers,” they secrete the hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones play a major role in the body’s response to stress, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), excitement, and tolerance for exercise.

Cortisol is sometimes called the “stress hormone.” Under normal circumstances, the adrenal glands secrete the highest amount of cortisol within the first hours of waking and production slowly declines as the day progresses.

What is Male Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is an unfortunately common condition among men. The main culprits are high levels of stress many men experience in daily life. When a man is experiencing stress, his adrenal glands respond by increasing production of cortisol. This provokes a physiological response, including narrowed blood vessels, increased heart rate, and increased perspiration rate. In a world defined by acute, short-term threats, this is a valuable reaction that helps people respond to stress better. However, in today’s world of chronic, low-grade stress, the long-term effects of high cortisol levels and adrenal stimulation can be devastating.

The adrenal glands were never designed to be continuously producing high levels of cortisol. After time, they become worn out, or exhausted, and can no longer produce sufficient cortisol and other adrenal hormones like DHEA. This leads to a general hormone imbalance that can affects levels of virtually every other hormone and result in a serious decline in quality of life.

Studies have shown that adrenal fatigue among men can lead to increased risk of heart disease, infection, muscle wasting, and other conditions. Men suffering from adrenal fatigue experience a decrease in their overall sense of well-being, and many rely on caffeine and other stimulants to keep themselves going.

Aside from ongoing daily stress, adrenal fatigue can also result from poor diet, substance abuse, chronic illness, inadequate sleep and rest, and imbalance of hormones in the body.

Low cortisol and DHEA levels due to adrenal fatigue may cause many unpleasant symptoms, including:

  • A tendency to feel cold
  • Aching joints
  • Anxiety
  • Craving for salt and sweets
  • Depression
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Diminished sex drive
  • Emerging allergies
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
  • Irritability
  • Loss of muscle mass and strength
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise
  • Panic/anxiety attacks
  • Poor digestion
  • Reduced stress tolerance
  • Sensitivity to chemicals
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Weakened immune function

Adrenal Fatigue Treatment

The first step in restoring healthy adrenal function is to make lifestyle changes. This means managing your stress levels, getting adequate sleep, and eating a balanced and healthy diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats. Exercise is also critical to adrenal health, especially low-impact, stress-relieving exercises like yoga or walking. Other stress reduction techniques include meditation, massage, and pursuing recreational activities. Finally, you should have your blood tested to identify any nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D deficiency, and correct those with dietary supplements. Even with all these changes, it can take up to a year for your adrenal glands to recover fully.

In addition to lifestyle changes, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may provide relief from symptoms of adrenal fatigue and help restore overall hormone balance. Genemedics Health Institute is a national leader in BHRT programs. Our staff of highly trained physicians is expert in diagnosing and treating adrenal fatigue and hormone imbalance. Some of the benefits our patients experience include:

  • Better sleep
  • Increase in muscle mass and strength
  • Increase in overall well-being
  • Increased energy levels
  • Increased immune function
  • Increased mood
  • Increased sexual desire and sexual function
  • Increased stamina
  • Proper response and tolerance to stress

Success Stories

men testimonial before after

At the age of 60, I look and feel better than I ever have in my entire life! Switching my health program and hormone replacement therapy regimen over to Genemedics was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life! Genemedics and Dr George have significantly improved my quality of life and also dramatically improved my overall health. I hav...
Nick Cassavetes ,60 yrs old Movie Director (“The Notebook”, “John Q”, “Alpha Dog”), Actor and Writer

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Call 800-277-4041 for a Free Consultation

What to expect during your consultation:

  • Usually takes 15-30 minutes
  • Completely confidential
  • No obligation to purchase anything
  • We will discuss your symptoms along with your health and fitness goals
  • Free post-consult access for any additional questions you may have
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