What are the Signs of Adrenal Fatigue?

What are the signs of adrenal fatigue and what can you do? Take the quiz and find out. Learn if you are just tired or if you truly may have adrenal fatigue.

I was in Phase 3 adrenal fatigue a few years ago and it was debilitating. I ignored most of the symptoms because it creeps in overtime to the point where you don’t even recognize how bad you really feel. Phase 3 is an advanced phase and can be dangerous if ignored. I would break down and cry for no reason, leaving work daily by 2 pm as I could no longer function mentally or physically.  The thought of making the bed or taking a shower could feel overwhelming and exhausting. 

Conventional medicine uses the term adrenal insufficiency and WebMD explains it here. Holistic medicine uses the term adrenal fatigue. Whatever label you use, it can be serious and you need to seek professional help. When the body isn’t producing sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone, that creates the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue. The condition is usually put in one of three categories under different names. To simplify, the labels (one, two, or three) are referring to mild, moderate, and/or severe conditions. I was in a severe category.

With any chronic health issue, you should always seek the help of a professional to test your cortisol, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Adrenal fatigue must be approached from an emotional perspective first as habits need to change. Adrenal fatigue seems to be predominant with more driven, control junkies or people pleasers. It is very common in caretakers which could be a special-needs child or an elderly parent. 

Care options

Conventional medicine only uses steroids to treat adrenal insufficiency.  The holistic community uses whole clean foods, detox, stress management, and supplementation. I’ve outlined the program that worked for me as steroids were not an option for me.  However, each of us is unique so seek the help of a qualified professional. It is highly beneficial to seek the help of someone who has experienced it.   

Take the Quiz

Answer the following questions and see if you have symptoms associated with adrenal stress.

1. Do you wake up exhausted after sleeping 6-8 hours or more?
2. Do you find it hard to stay asleep?
3. Do you go to bed exhausted only to feel wired again and unable to sleep?
4. Is your blood pressure dropping on occasion?
5. Have you noticed more hair loss?
6. Are your nails weak or thin?
7. Do you feel wiped out in the afternoons?
8. Do you crave salt?
9. Do you have muscle weakness?
10. Are you emotionally sensitive?
11. Are you or were you under a high amount of constant stress?
12. Do you feel dizzy, especially when getting up from lying down?
13. Are you gaining or losing weight for no apparent reason?
14. Do everyday tasks seem overwhelming?
15. Are you sensitive to bright lights?
16. Lack of interest or enthusiasm or feeling is withdrawn for what typically brings you joy?

Results and Next Steps

If you checked more than eight of the fifteen, it’s a good idea to seek help and testing with an integrative doctor or Naturopath. If you would like to learn more, request our free guide called Top 3 Tips to Overcome Adrenal Stress to begin your path to balance your body and regain your energy. Or if you are looking for the best diet, foods, and supplements for adrenal fatigue, check out our Best Foods & Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue Guide.  I wrote these guides from my personal experience and recovery. I understand what you are going through and it’s not easy. 

If you have any questions, please reach out anytime as we are here to listen and help. You can connect with those who have been where you are. Please comment below and let me know how you scored on your quiz.