Adrenal fatigue, also known as the “21st Century Stress Syndrome” occurs when the adrenal glands become overtaxed by excess cortisol release and can no longer produce the levels of cortisol (and other hormones) necessary to maintain optimal health.
The adrenal glands produce over fifty hormones (cortisol and DHEA, among others), including roughly 40 to 50 percent of women’s progesterone and estrogen.
Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- fatigue (particularly upon waking) with intermittent “crashes” throughout the day (afternoon slump)
- poor stress response and inability to regulate mood (feelings of overwhelm)
- cognitive issues and trouble thinking (brain fog)
- increased energy levels in the evenings (catching a “second wind”)
- cravings for salty and/or sweet foods
- overuse of caffeine and other stimulants
- compromised immune system (feeling rundown)
- trouble sleeping
- decreased libido
- depression
- anxiety
Some of the most common treatments for adrenal fatigue include: replacing depleted hormones, cutting back on exercise and energy output, prioritizing sleep, balancing blood sugar, increasing exposure to sunlight, supplementing with adaptogens and supportive nutrients, increasing healthy fat intake, decreasing sugar intake, and incorporating breathing, meditation, and yoga.
Until recently, I would have told you all of the above would rid you of adrenal fatigue. Today, I would argue that it probably won’t. Why? The root cause of adrenal fatigue is not a deficiency in adaptogenic herbs or yoga classes, but rather a pattern (typically formed at a young age) of self-neglect and depletion. This pattern looks different on everybody.
We can absolutely support the physical body but if we don’t address the deep–rooted beliefs and patterns that cause physical depletion and self-neglect, we will never uncover the root of our chronic depletion and adrenal fatigue.
To overcome adrenal fatigue and address its cause, it is crucial to understand and address patterns of self-neglect. Understand that your physical body simply reflects how you really feel.
The key to healing patterns of self-neglect is building self trust. When we make small promises to ourselves and follow through, our self trust increases. Start small and be consistent.
