Adrenal fatigue is characterized by many life-altering symptoms and is caused by overworked adrenal glands. The adrenal glands release around 50 hormones and sit on top of the kidneys and they are responsible for maintaining metabolism, blood sugar levels, salt and water balance, and controlling flight or fight response, among other important bodily functions. If adrenal fatigue is left untreated, symptoms can increase and worsen. Those who suffer can go years without knowing what the problem is. It is estimated that over half of the population suffers from adrenal fatigue.
Many signs are present in people with adrenal fatigue, but this will cover seven of the most prevalent symptoms associated with an overworked adrenal system. Among these include anxiety, inhalant allergies, lethargy, lack of energy, thin skin, low blood sugar, and low body temperature. If you or someone you know experiences the signs outlined below, seeking help from a professional can ensure proper testing to conclude whether adrenal fatigue is the underlying issue.
1. Anxiety
While anxiety can point to many conditions, when combined with other symptoms outlined here, it is a very significant and common indication of adrenal fatigue. It may be generalized or worsened by external factors, including crowds, pressure, loud noises, and increased stress. Those affected by adrenal fatigue often experience an elevated level of stress and frustration, along with decreased tolerance to manage common stress. The lack of energy caused by adrenal fatigue leads to lowered ability to cope with stress and thus provokes the sense of anxiety that is common among people with adrenal fatigue. Common signs of anxiety include nervousness, rapid heart rate, fear, sweating, difficulty concentrating, trembling, and tension.
2. Inhalant allergies
Enhanced sensitivity to what is in the air is another sign of overworked adrenal system. Since each person is different, signs of these allergies can vary from one person to the next and may include allergies to trees, grass, or weeds, pet dander, mold spores, pollutants, cleaners, and other chemicals. While most people suffer seasonal allergies from time to time, the increase of inhalant allergies is characteristic among sufferers of adrenal fatigue. Symptoms of allergies can include red and itchy eyes, rash, sneezing, and runny nose. The link between these allergies and adrenal fatigue is that when the adrenal glands are overworked and fatigued, they have more trouble producing the needed cortisol required to fight against allergic reactions.
3. Lethargy
Another marked symptom among those with is lethargy. When the adrenal glands are overworked, the hormones normally released are significantly decreased and nearly depleted, thus resulting in less energy. The body tends to shut down to restore the resources available. Sluggish feelings, decreased interest in activities, lack of motivation, exhaustion, and tired feelings throughout the day are common. These signs of lethargy tend to be present all the time in people that suffer and it is very difficult to function throughout the day due to exhaustion of energy sources. Lethargy is perhaps one of the biggest indicators of adrenal fatigue.
4. Lack of energy
When a person is suffering from adrenal fatigue, they suffer from depleted energy a majority of the time. They might struggle to get motivated even after they have coffee in the morning and struggle to get through the entire day. A need for a nap to refresh is also common among people that have adrenal fatigue, although a nap may not suffice. Fatigue of the adrenal system causes dysregulation of regular hormone production. In addition to cortisol levels, adrenaline, norepinephrine, and many other hormones needed to maintain metabolism and produce a sense of drive are depleted and thus produces a lack of energy.
5. Thin skin
Thin skin is another sign and it is characterized by skin that is easily bruised or torn. Most apparent in the hands, face, and arms, thin skin occurs with age but when it is occurring more rapidly than normal, it can indicate a problem with the adrenal glands and the lack of hormone production associated with adrenal fatigue. The thin skin symptom can also occur due to dehydration and lack of nutrition or a balanced diet which is associated with adrenal fatigue because the lack of energy can cause a person to drink fewer fluids and neglect their diet.
6. Low blood sugar
A common issue among people with an overworked adrenal system is low blood sugar. This is a common characteristic seen in blood tests among those afflicted with adrenal fatigue due to the body’s inability to adequately raise blood glucose.
While hormone levels are low, the body has trouble maintaining proper blood sugar levels and it can cause inconsistent levels in many ways, but hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common issue expressed among those with an exhausted adrenal system. When the needs cannot be fully met, the cells are deprived of the necessary glucose and nutrients needed and this can cause the craving for sweets and cause a tired and weak feeling.
7. Low body temperature
Low body temperature also occurs along with overworked adrenaline system because the body slows down and this occurs to help the body manage stress. Body temperature factors are often overlooked and misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism because the thyroid is known to control body temperature, when in fact low body temperature is most common with adrenal system issues due to the body’s inability to adequately handle stress.
The lower body temperature is one of many responses to the inability to produce enough hormones to maintain stress levels. While this may seem alarming, it is simply a stress-management tool physiologically. With proper treatment for adrenal fatigue, a person can get help with this along with most other symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
