Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal glands synthesize corticosteroids and catecholamines. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are also secreted as a part of the functions of adrenal glands. Cortisol is a steroid hormone whereas adrenaline is an indoleamine neurotransmitter. The hormone cortisol is important as it is essential to deal with stress and strain which is the result of work or personal tensions. Malfunctioning of adrenal glands lowers the level of this hormone. The fatigue which we experience as a result of this hormone deficiency is known as adrenal fatigue. Adrenal insufficiency is responsible for disturbing blood sugar levels. The number of people with adrenal problems is rising considerably.

How Adrenal Fatigue is Caused
Life in cities has become very hectic due to the increase in work hours and pollution of all kinds. The population is growing at an alarming rate in major cities. This gives rise to a cut-throat competition in the educational field and the job market. Those who perform well, survive in this race. As a result of this, people are completely stressed out. Excessive stress is considered the main cause of adrenal fatigue. Problems in relationships, prolonged illness due to infectious or other fatal diseases, financial problems, death of a close person and lack of sufficient sleep are some other factors which may lead to adrenal fatigue. Certain factors like phobia, anger, fatigue, depression and anxiety cause adrenal fatigue. Severe injury, exercising beyond the physical capacity and lack of a healthy and balanced diet are the common causes of adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue are observed after a lot of physical and mental stress. They are as follows:

• Weight gain
• Very low stamina
• Lack of sleep
• Desire to eat salty foods
• Palpitation
• Feeling of nervousness
• Low immune functioning
• Digestion problems
• Low blood pressure
• Reduced sex drive
• Neck pain
• Depression
• Poor memory
• Poor body resistance against diseases

Dry skin, loss of hair, lack of enthusiasm and energy, dyspepsia and hypoglycemia are some more adrenal fatigue symptoms.

Tests To Detect Adrenal Fatigue
Apart from the above symptoms, a person can know if he is suffering from adrenal fatigue by undergoing some standard tests which are well recognized by medical practitioners in the world. There are standard tests as follows:

Ragland's Sign Blood Pressure Test
The Ragland's sign blood pressure test is often used by doctors to clear any doubts about the occurrence of adrenal fatigue. No big or expensive equipment is required to conduct this test. You will just need your blood pressure measurement kit. The procedure is very simple and gets over in a few minutes. It is as follows -

Step 1 Rest on your back for 5 minutes and have your blood pressure taken.
Step 2 Now stand up and get your blood pressure measured immediately.
Carefully observe the results. Under normal circumstances, your blood pressure must rise by 8 to 10 mm. On the contrary, if it falls, then perhaps there are chances of you having adrenal fatigue.

Pupil Dilation Examination
To conduct the pupil dilation examination, you will need a flashlight and a mirror. The procedure is as follows - Look into the mirror and use the flashlight to shine the light into the pupil of any one eye. The pupil of the eye should contract within thirty seconds. But, if it dilates, then you might have adrenal fatigue.

Salivary Cortisol Test
The salivary cortisol test is a non-invasive test which is very affordable. This test can be done without taking any prescription. You can submit the results of the test to a laboratory and then study the detailed report after a few days.

Adrenal Fatigue Treatment
Firstly, the symptoms of adrenal fatigue should not be ignored. Adrenal fatigue can be treated by including nutritious food items in our daily diet. Changing our indisciplined lifestyle is mandatory in curing adrenal fatigue. Regular exercising helps a lot in achieving our objective. As far as possible, avoid junk food and eating outside. Junk food contains high calories which worsens the case of adrenal fatigue patients. For recreation, you can either meditate or play games you like. The intake of vitamin C should be between 2000 and 5000 milligrams. Proper intake of foods containing carbohydrates, fats and proteins is essential. B complex items rich in B6 and pantothenic acid should be included in our daily diet. Adequate sleep and quitting bad habits like alcohol and smoking can help to a great extent. One should be happy and cheerful and be contented with what one has.

Adrenal fatigue is common in young professionals these days. A disciplined lifestyle coupled with a balanced diet and good exercise can help prevent adrenal fatigue.