How to Diagnosis Adrenal Exhaustion

The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. They are small but very powerful. They are responsible for the releasing of more than 50 hormones. If these glands are not working at optimal level, adrenal exhaustion or fatigue may occur. Adrenal exhaustion or fatigue can cause a significant amount of decrease in your quality of life. Since it has symptoms similar to other conditions it may be difficult to diagnose. There are steps to take that can help identify this problem in order to begin a path to recovery.

Things You'll Need

• Saliva test
• Blood pressure cuff
• Flashlight

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Instructions

• 1

  Observe your symptoms. Adrenal exhaustion symptoms include mental fogginess, depression, inability to lose weight, weight gain, insomnia and salt cravings. Note if you have any of these symptoms. Document them to give to your medical provider.

• 2

  Take note if you have a distinct energy pattern. This means that you have the same energy lows at the same time most days. While not all patterns are the same, the majority with this condition have a low energy time in the morning, with an increase around noon. They then have another low mid afternoon. If you find that this describes your day, you may have adrenal exhaustion.

• 3

  Take your list of symptoms to your physician. He may order tests.

• 4

  Obtain a saliva test that measures cortisol and other hormone levels throughout the day. This test is easy to perform, since it just involves spitting into a test tube four times a day. Your physician may have this test available, but if not you can order your own tests online.

• 5

  Educate yourself on recovery options if you discover that you struggle with this condition.