A Medical Intuitive looks at Adrenal Fatigue

Many of my clients speak of having fatigue, sleeping problems,

weight gain, and depression. They say that their mind feels 100

years ahead of their body. Sound familiar?

Many of these clients have what is known as Adrenal Fatigue or in

extreme cases Adrenal Exhaustion.

Your adrenals are small Brazil nut size glands which sit on top

of the kidneys. They are actually two different glands in one.

The center of the gland makes adrenaline (epinephrine) and is

under the control of the autonomic nervous system. Although it is

known that this part of the nervous system is also on the fritz

in chronic fatigue patients–contributing to such symptoms as hot

and cold sweats, cold sweaty hands, neurally mediated

hypotension, and panic attacks–it is not understood if or how

this ties into the adrenal’s ability to make adrenaline in

CFIDS/FMS. More likely, adrenaline deficiency is a CNS (central

brain) problem.

The outer part of the adrenal gland, the cortex, also makes many

important hormones. These include:

* Cortisol. The adrenal glands increase their production of

cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol raises the blood sugar

and blood pressure levels and moderates immune function, in

addition to playing numerous other roles. If the cortisol level

is low, the person has fatigue, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia,

poor immune function, an increased tendency to allergies and

environmental sensitivity, and an inability to deal with stress.

* Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Although its mechanism

of action is not clear, DHEA is the most abundant hormone

produced by the adrenal cortex. If it is low, patients will feel

poorly. Patients often feel dramatically better when their DHEA-S

levels are brought to the mid-normal range for a

twenty-nine-year-old. DHEA-S levels normally decline with age,

and appear to drop prematurely in chronic fatigue patients.

* Aldosterone. This hormone helps to keep salt and water balanced

in the body.

* Estrogen and testosterone. These hormones are produced in small

but significant amounts by the adrenals as well as by the ovaries

and testicles. Half of a woman’s testosterone is produced in the

adrenals.

The basic task of your adrenals is to rush all your body’s

resources into “fight or flight” mode when needed. When your

adrenals are healthy they will instantly increase your heart rate

and blood pressure, release your stored energy, slow your

digestion, and sharpen all your senses. All in the blink of an

eye. This takes priority over all other body functions, and it

does not last very long, as long as the body is healthy.

Now we live with constant stress. Instead of occasional demands

followed by rest, we’re constantly over-worked, under-nourished,

exposed to environmental toxins, worrying about others, feeling

their feelings, all with no respite. Every challenge to the mind/body

creates a demand on the adrenal glands.

The destructive side of cortisol.

In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet these challenges

by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen and

counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s OK. But at

sustained high levels, cortisol gradually tears your body down.

Sustained high cortisol destroys healthy muscle and bone; slows

down healing and normal cell replacement; co-ops biochemicals

needed to make other vital hormones; impairs digestion,

metabolism and mental function; interferes with healthy endocrine

function, and weakens your immune system.

Adrenal dysfunction may be a factor in many related conditions,

including fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome,

arthritis, premature menopause and others. It may also produce a

host of other unpleasant symptoms, from acne to hair loss.

In my medical intuitive work, the energy pattern that I see with

a person who has adrenal fatigue is that of survival, one who is

not truly connected with their physical life on the Earth. The

person is reacting as if they are under attack and are leaving

their physical body behind. With intention and focused effort,

the adrenals can be restored to health.

The first step is to have a full physical to rule out disease or

other factors. In my experience, people with mild to moderate

cases of adrenal fatigue can see significant improvement through

these steps:

• Dietary changes to enrich your nutrition and reduce

carbohydrates and stimulants. Also recommended are the addition

of high-quality nutritional supplements, including essential

fatty acids from fish oils.

• Stress reduction, including moderate exercise and taking more

time for your self. (It’s helpful to make a list of your

stressors, especially those that are constant.)

• Focused energy practice such as Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, or QiGong

is very helpful.

Persons with more severe symptoms, or who have reached complete

adrenal exhaustion, usually need greater intervention. These may

include phosphorylated serines, low-dose compounded DHEA, ginseng

and glycerated licorice.

In my consultations, I personalize the recommendations to each

client’s symptoms, causes, and test information. I do not recommend

self-prescribing any substance, as they can have adverse health

effects.