As the holidays approach, we may feel our spirits rise. But our body doesn’t always follow. For some patients I meet, that tired feeling has been around a long time, and causes can be complex. If you’re experiencing more than the usual burnout or tiredness, it may be worth investigating one of the conditions I see often in my practice—adrenal fatigue.
After years of high stress—or overwork or lack of sleep that goes on for years—the body reacts by getting burnt out. We sometimes refer to this as adrenal fatigue. This is when the body’s hormone cortisol becomes dysregulated meaning either too much or too little is secreted by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol is a very important hormone in the body, as it helps with energy, inflammation and immune system. When cortisol levels become dysregulated, patients can experience chronic fatigue, inflammation, chronic infections, weight gain and hormone imbalances.
I regularly test cortisol levels through blood or saliva. I treat using supplements to help support cortisol production like vitamin C, B5, and herbs such as ginseng or rhodiola. I also give lifestyle advice and counsel patients on how to get more rest and find ways to de-stress their busy lives! Dietary recommendations are also critical.
Are you feeling unreasonably tired? Maybe it’s time for a consultation. Get in touch for a free discovery call and we can discuss.