Adrenal Dysfunction
Your adrenal glands play a central role in your endocrine system when it comes to regulating and reacting to your body’s stress levels. When they are functioning properly, you are able to effectively accommodate and react to the day-to-day stresses you encounter.
Adrenal fatigue is a relatively new term, not yet labeled as an official medical diagnosis, but manifests as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, and sleep disturbances.
The adrenals, a set of important glands that rest on top of your kidneys, are in charge of regulating important stress hormones like cortisol – responsible for the “fight or flight” response – and other stress hormones, such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
When your stress response is not balanced, the inability to turn these hormones “on and off” can wreak havoc on your energy levels.
Your adrenal glands may be overworked due to illness, prolonged low-grade stress, and other factors, causing feelings of intense fatigue and exhaustion even after a full night’s sleep.
Without proper regulation from your endocrine system, you may feel unable to cope with normal everyday stress or even handle the normal activities of life.
Craving salty or sweet foods as a way to refuel quickly is not uncommon, since the body is searching to upgrade energy any way it can.
Additionally, adrenal dysfunction can result in more than just decreased energy, it can also cause low libido, weight gain, increased PMS/menopausal symptoms, constipation, and a weakened immune system.
If you have been experiencing symptoms that may be connected with adrenal dysfunction or fatigue and are looking for answers, schedule an appointment with OC Sports and Wellness today!
