So many men and women who come to see me complain that they are "tired all the time". Fatigue and low energy are common health complaints but ones that are too often dismissed by the individual or not given enough credence by the medical community. Our modern world moves so fast that most people today seem to accept being constantly tired as a normal state of being. It is not.

In most cases the source of fatigue can be uncovered with a thorough physical exam and a medical history with a particular focus on psychosocial elements combined with a series of blood, urine, and saliva test's. More often than not, the women who come to my office have been frequently told that their fatigue is "all in your mind." Sadly, test results often reveal that they have been misdiagnosed and misdirected. I find that most of my patients are suffering from adrenal exhaustion and an inherent hormonal imbalance.

When you're stressed, worried or tense, your adrenal glands produce three neurotransmitters (or stress- managing chemicals): epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. In the right amounts, these chemicals will support your body and enable it to remain in good health. But when you're under any type of stress (good or bad) on a regular basis, as most of us are, your adrenal glands become over-taxed. Then, instead of protecting you from stress, they produce too much of these chemicals-leaving you exhausted, mentally drained, and irritable. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances and/or insomnia, anxiety, depression, increased susceptibility to infections, reduced tolerance for stress, cravings for sweet or salt, allergies, chemical sensitivities, and a tendency to feel cold. Medical studies have also shown a link between adrenal dysfunction and accelerated aging. The more stress endured, the worse the hormonal problems and the more severe the presenting symptoms. The over production of stress chemicals also increases pre-menopausal and menopausal symptoms such as low libido, headaches, foggy thinking and mood swings. This condition is not "normal"; it is real illness. The accurate medical terminology is adrenal fatigue.

The two thumb-sized adrenal glands play a critical role in producing hormones and regulating the sympathetic nervous system. Once cardinal sign of adrenal exhaustion is relentless, debilitating fatigue. Adrenal glands secrete three hormones in response to stress:

• Epinepherine is the fight-or-flight hormone produced when you think you are being threatened or are in danger.
• Cortisol increases appetite and energy level while taming the allergic and inflammatory responses of the immune system.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is often referred to as the "anti-aging" hormone. It can help protect/increase bone density, keep bad cholesterol levels under control, provide a general sense of vitality and energy, aid natural sleep patterns, and improve mental acuity.

Are you at risk for adrenal fatigue? If the following lists reflect some of the issues in your life, you could be...

Lifestyles

• University student
• Mother of two or more children with little or no support from family or others
• Single parent
• Unhappy marriage
• Extremely unhappy or stressful work conditions
• Self-employed with a new or struggling business
• Drug or alcohol abuser
• Alternating shift work that requires sleep patterns to be frequently adjusted
• All work, little play

Lifestyle Issues

• Lack of sleep
• Poor food choices
• Using food and drinks as stimulants when tired
• Staying up late even when fatigued
• Being constantly in a position of powerlessness
• Constantly driving yourself
• Trying to be perfect
• Staying in no-win situations over time
• Lack of enjoyable and rejuvenating activities

Life Events

• Unrelieved pressure or frequent crises at work and/or home
• Any severe emotional trauma
• Death of a close friend of family member
• Major surgery
• Prolonged or repeated respiratory infection
• Serious burns, including sun burns
• Head trauma
• Loss of a stable job
• Sudden change in financial status
• Relocation without support of friends or family
• Repeated or overwhelming chemical exposure (including drug and alcohol abuse)

*Source: Adrenal Fatigue, James L. Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.; Smart Publications, 2001, Petaluma, CA, pg. 17-18.

Tips to help you treat adrenal fatigue, reclaim your energy and re-enter your life:

• Rest - Rest is essential to help your body recover from adrenal fatigue. Note: If you never feel rested no matter how much you sleep, this is a cardinal symptom of adrenal fatigue. You will require a great deal of rest over a much longer time and you will need to add in as many other "tips" as possible to address your concern.
• Read From Hormone Hell to Hormone Well, C. W. Randolph, Jr. M.D. and Genie James, M.M. Sc. Dr. Randolph and Ms. James dedicate several chapters to adrenal fatigue. Click Here to order now.
• Read Adrenal Fatigue, James Wilson, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.. Click Here to order now.
• Have your hormone levels tested (saliva testing recommended).
• Balance your hormones: often results can be achieved by applying over-the-counter bio-identical progesterone cream or, if symptoms persist, consult a physician who is knowledgeable about bio-identical hormone therapies (BHRT).
• Diet - Eating a balanced diet of fat, protein, and starchy carbohydrates at every meal will provide more stable energy and put less stress on the body and adrenal system.
• Behavioral and lifestyle changes such as scheduling time for rest and play, eliminating some tasks, outsourcing some "to-do's"; choosing less vs. more. Also, mind-body activities such as yoga, meditation, conscious breathing or mindful walking have been shown to be beneficial.
• Supplements such as: B Complex 100 or Dr. Randolph's Adrenal Boost

Until next time... stay smart, stay informed, and continue to be a voice for your health.

Dr. Randolph

Thank God for Dr. Randolph and his book!!!!!
D. D. Johnson (Orlando, FL United States)

For the past 6 years, I have been suffering from virtually all of the symptoms Dr. Randolph describes in his book.

As a former ballet dancer, choreographer and dance school owner, I have gained over 75 lbs and now know why. I have painful and achy joints; lots of stress, virtually no sex drive, some hair loss. I also have memory problems after having virtually a photographic memory for most of my life. I am moody and irritable at times and find myself feeling like I want to give up. I have met with doctor after doctor in my local area. Each would have a different theory about what was wrong. Some told me nothing was wrong while others treated me with the erroneous "one-size-fits-all" philosophy Dr. Randolph describes in his book.

Believe me, I am an informed and educated patient who truly enjoyed this easy read. Dr. Randolph and Ms. James explain everything simply. I never felt patronized. I love this book so much and I am feeling so hopeful that I will finally start feeling better that I made an appointment with Dr. Randolph, himself and will travel to see him in Jacksonville, FL to start my treatment plan.

I love the idea of saliva tests not blood tests to determine my custom treatment plan! Hooray!

Important Announcement:
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