Adrenal Fatigue
Ask yourself this: On a scale of 1-10, how well are you handling the stress in your life? How well do you handle the little stressors - the running late in traffic, the push to get something completed, the navigating of your to do list. Now ask yourself, how well am I doing navigating the big life stressors? Finding a new job, moving to a new location, grieving the loss of a loved one?
Four years ago I had the thought, “It seems like I’m unable to handle stress like I used to. Is this because I’m getting older?” This seemed backwards to me. Shouldn't my ability to handle stress increase with age? Shouldn’t my experience, wisdom and know-how be able to look stress in the eye and divert it like slicing back the forest with a machete? I was finding myself shying away from things that would produce stress, things that I had loved previously. Sometimes I would notice that the stress would turn into more feelings that left me feeling unsafe. I became tired and lackluster. I began reaching for more caffeine to get me through the day. My workouts were perpetually leading me into inflammation and injury. My hair was thinning. I knew that having two kids, managing a busy wellness center and acupuncture practice, and all the other little life experiences had taken their toll.
I also had the unique perspective to know that this wasn’t normal and that it could be changed. When I sat with myself and really listened, I knew that my adrenal glands were running low on gas and begging for support.
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. These walnut-shaped glands are small but mighty as they produce hormones that regulate our metabolism, immune system, and blood pressure, among other functions. However, in today's fast-paced world, many of us experience chronic stress, which can lead to adrenal fatigue and a host of related health issues.
I began to research what I could do, and I found that there are two different schools of thought for adrenal help. The first one aims to help supplement the adrenals with herbs and vitamins to fill the tank. The second suggests using subclinical doses of the adrenals’ natural hormones combined with nutrients and lifestyle upgrades needed to get the actual tissues of the adrenals to regenerate.
The program that I run helps regenerate adrenal tissue. It begins with adrenal testing which is asimple process. A kit is mailed to your house and over the course of 24 hours you take different saliva samples. When you’re done, you just drop the kit in the mail. Once your test results are in, we go over them together and stage you at level 1-4 adrenal exhaustion. At this point we craft a plan to get your adrenals back on track. I have to admit, I just think it’s so cool that our bodies can grow new tissue, essentially reversing the aging process.
Now, this does take work and a change of habits, including getting enough sleep, managing stress through techniques like meditation and breath work, and eating a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, but as you let go of the crutches you so desperately needed to get through the day and begin to take the right supplements to regenerate your adrenals, you will start to feel vital, energetic and strong again.
Two of the supplements needed to regenerate adrenal tissue are DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and pregnenolone. We use these in sub-clinical doses for 6-12 months. It’s like priming the pump – we're giving your adrenals just enough of what they already produce to get them going.
DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to other hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. In my experience, it’s important to have the adrenals functioning well as you begin menopause in particular. This is because a large portion of our hormones come from these little glands. And when your ovaries stop producing hormones, it’s the adrenals that make most of what your body needs. As we age, DHEA levels decline, which can contribute to adrenal fatigue. Supplementing with DHEA has been shown to improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue, including fatigue, depression, and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that DHEA supplementation improved mood and well-being in people with adrenal insufficiency.
Pregnenolone is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to other hormones such as DHEA. Like DHEA, pregnenolone levels decline with age, and supplementing with pregnenolone has been shown to improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that pregnenolone supplementation improved mood and cognitive function in people with adrenal fatigue.
It's important to note that DHEA and Pregnenolone are hormones, and as such, it is important to consult a healthcare provider that is experienced in this realm before starting any supplement regimen. They may interact with other medications or have side effects and should be used under the guidance of a professional. Occasionally I work with someone who is not able to take these hormones even at low levels. In this case, we rely on plant medicine to help support the adrenal function.
Thankfully, there are natural ways to support the adrenal glands and help them function at their best. From my experience, this course of therapy doesn’t regenerate adrenal tissue, but it can give the adrenals a little boost in times of need. One of the most effective natural options is the use of herbs. Here are a few herbs that have been studied for their ability to support adrenal health:
- Ashwagandha: This ancient Ayurvedic herb is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha helped reduce cortisol levels (a hormone released in response to stress) and improved overall well-being in people with chronic stress.
- Rhodiola: This herb, also known as "golden root," is native to the Arctic regions of Europe and Asia. It has been shown to improve mental and physical performance in people with stress-related fatigue. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that rhodiola improved mood, reduced stress symptoms, and increased the ability to handle stress in people with burnout.
- Holy basil: This herb is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine and is commonly used for its adaptogenic properties. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that holy basil reduced stress-induced changes in cortisol and glucose levels in people with adrenal fatigue.
- Licorice root: This herb has been used for centuries to support adrenal function. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that licorice root extract helped improve cortisol levels and reduce symptoms of stress in people with adrenal fatigue.
Let’s face it, adrenal fatigue is a common condition due to chronic stress and fast-paced lifestyles. The good news is, there are ways to help! If you are curious about your adrenal health, adrenal testing is a great place to start. Please reach out to me at: jennifer@indigodragoncenter.com