Adrenal Fatigue

My New Workout. (Linked to Amazon)

The test results reported on the last post could lead to a label of adrenal fatigue.  Adrenal fatigue is an unrecognized medical diagnosis.  From the reading I have done so far, it seems the only acceptable adrenal diagnosis is adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s Disease.  Two of the hallmark symptoms of Addison’s are weight loss and hyper-pigmentation.  I have weight gain and hypo-pigmentation.  What I do have is fatigue and low blood pressure.

(UPDATE – ONE YEAR LATER)

My Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

Not feeling refreshed after ample sleep

Feeling tired most of the day with more energy after 6pm

Salt and sugar cravings

Varicose veins

Feeling dizzy when standing up

Difficulty recovering after stress or heavy workouts (may take days)

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

My Energy Solution? Kidney Hats

Click for photo source site and adrenal information

One of the reasons that I started my “get healthy” journey and, in fact, one of the reasons I began this blog is that I have a very small bucket of energy to get me through the day.  I have been searching for the right mix of healthy solutions to apply to my life.  The journey has taught me a great deal but I have not felt much, if at all, better.

I decided to step outside the box again and drive over to visit an integrative and natural medicine  center.   My first appointment involved the nurse taking some basic vitals and few more tests.  Then, the doctor and myself sat in his office and discussed everything for over 90 minutes.  He suggested some tests and let me know which ones he thought were more urgent and important, and why.  Together, we decided the tests that I would take.  It felt a little odd to be out of the more paternalistic and time crunched model.

I returned to the doctor about 5 weeks later and discussed the results (another 80 minutes of discussion).  There are still some investigations to be done to get to the bottom of what, if anything may causing some of the results.

* This office does not accept insurance.  Using a cash based system offers them more freedom in how to conduct their practice.

There is a huge learning curve going on here, so I am sure to be sharing more related information as time goes on.  I am sharing this just as general information on my journey.  If you have any specific questions just ask away, or email.  The “traditional” medical doctors I have gone to over the years did not run or offer these tests.  There is controversy over some of these tests’ accuracy and over the treatments offered.  If you have experience or information on any of these topics please feel free to share!  But like Planet Fitness, this is a no judgement zone.

Test 1:  Cortisol

This test was done at home through a saliva collection at certain times throughout the day.  The result was that my level was low throughout the day…well late at night it was near the average range.  So, when I am sleeping, I am close to normal.  8)

Test 2:  Aldosterone