What even is adrenal fatigue?

You might have heard this term before but maybe you're not sure what it means. The adrenal glads sit on top of your kidneys and produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions.

The term "adrenal fatigue" is controversial but here is my experience of what this term means: We are a busy culture that places a high value on productivity and EVERY DAY we treat patients that are constantly in flight or flight with no rest. Based on my years of clinical experience I would rate physical and mental stress as one of the top contributing factors to the health issues my patients face. This is anecdotal, of course, however the high cortisol levels are showing up on their blood work too. Their adrenals are pumping cortisol and adrenaline at full speed. Work more, sleep less, eat on the run. We're balancing more and more in all aspects of our lives and it's showing up in our physical bodies.

The toll shows up in health issues like migraines, digestive issues, unexplained infertility, excessive menopause symptoms to name a few. Our bodies were not meant to function under extreme stress for extended periods of time. And our bodies are smart. If our body thinks we're being chased by a tiger all the time it will shut down non-essential systems. All resources will go to running from the tiger, not reproducing, digesting, sleeping.

So, regardless of whether the term "adrenal fatigue" is agreed upon, I don't think you have to be a doctor to know that there are negative implications to constant chronic stress.

Reach out to us at The Menopause Clinic at Odenton Acupuncture to learn how we can help you regulate your hormones holistically.