This article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH and by How.com.vn staff writer, Eric McClure. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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If you have general aches, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and anxiety, you may have heard that adrenal fatigue could be the cause. However, medical professionals actually don’t consider this a real condition. This doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t legitimate. There are several potential medical issues that may be causing your symptoms, so do not wait! Call your doctor and get into their office to get a thorough medical examination.
Steps
How do you fix adrenal fatigue?
- See a doctor first to get a diagnosis and blood test. If your doctor doesn’t give you a hard and fast diagnosis, try not to worry. It doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real, just that they don’t know what’s causing them yet. Your doctor will be able to rule out any potential issues with your adrenal glands and help you figure out what’s really going on.[14]
- A variety of conditions can cause the symptoms that supposedly come with adrenal fatigue. You might consider asking your doctor about anemia, sleep apnea, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, kidney disease, and liver disease.[15]
- Lifestyle modifications may help ease your pain. A lot of the adrenal fatigue symptoms can be the result of a poor diet, a lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle. To start, try cutting back on red meat and sugary drinks. Eat a healthy, balanced diet full of lean protein and vegetables to see if your symptoms ease up.[16] When it comes to fitness, try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week to improve the way you feel.[17]
- Reduce your stress levels using deep breathing exercises, yoga, or guided meditation. It also helps to set time aside every week to pursue the hobbies you care about![18]
- Getting enough quality sleep is also extremely important. Most adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If you tend to wake up frequently in the middle of the night, talk to your doctor.[19]
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Expert Q&A
Tips
- Some women mistake the symptoms of menopause for issues with their adrenal glands since the symptoms overlap quite a bit. If you’re in your 40s or 50s and you started missing your period at the same time these adrenal problems cropped up, you may have just started menopause.[23]Thanks
- If you want to know more about the issues that doctors have with adrenal fatigue as a diagnosis, ask your primary care doctor or endocrinologist.[24]Thanks
Warnings
- While there is a wealth of information available on the internet about adrenal fatigue, it is no longer a controversial subject in the medical community. It’s not recognized as a condition by medical doctors, and most proponents of adrenal fatigue are holistic and alternative medicine practitioners. If an article you read about adrenal fatigue ends by trying to sell you something, the odds are high it’s not the answer to your problems.[25]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-adrenal-fatigue-real-2018022813344
- ↑ https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/adrenal-fatigue
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350293
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2020.
- ↑ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/myth-adrenal-fatigue/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350293
- ↑ https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/addisons-disease/
- ↑ https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/adrenal-fatigue
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2020.
- ↑ https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/adrenal-fatigue-a-fake-disease/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351310
- ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/endocrine-center/acth-stimulation-test
- ↑ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/myth-adrenal-fatigue/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-adrenal-fatigue-real-2018022813344
- ↑ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/myth-adrenal-fatigue/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
- ↑ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/myth-adrenal-fatigue/
- ↑ https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/adrenal-fatigue
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-adrenal-fatigue-real-2018022813344
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2020.
- ↑ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/myth-adrenal-fatigue/
- ↑ https://endocrinenews.endocrine.org/myth-adrenal-fatigue/
About this article
To treat adrenal fatigue, consult your doctor when you notice common symptoms, such as fatigue, issues with sleep, low blood pressure, and digestive problems. Once they’ve made a diagnosis, they can discuss treatment options with you, such as dietary changes and hormonal supplements. While you follow your doctor’s recommendations, you can find some relief by avoiding caffeine, which stimulates your adrenal glands and can stress your body. You should also try to stay away from sugary foods to avoid overstimulating your adrenal glands. In addition to adjusting your diet, you can incorporate some gentle exercise, like walking or practicing yoga, into your routine to destress and stabilize your cortisol levels. For more help from our Medical co-author, including what herbal supplements you can take to help with your adrenal fatigue, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "I found your article informative, honest and although listing known supplements and their effectiveness, you haven't tried to charge me for this information. I would probably be Stage 4 looking at the facts (although I'm yet to be tested as this is the first I've heard of adrenal fatigue), so having to pay for such vital information is out of my current budget. Thank you so much I'm off to see my GP tomorrow."..." more
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