Adrenal Burnout Symptoms

Adrenal burnout or adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the adrenal glands fail to produce an appropriate and necessary amount of the hormones needed for the production of energy, maintenance of blood sugar levels, immunity and proper nutrient digestion. The effect of adrenal burnout creates numerous symptoms that often result in other conditions. Recognizing the symptoms of adrenal burnout assists individuals and physicians in proper diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Common Symptoms

• Excessive feelings of being cold, bouts of depression and anxiety, weakened immunity, lower back pain, fibromyalgia and poor memory are common symptoms of adrenal burnout. Additional symptoms include excessive fatigue, sudden weight loss and gain, problems with the thyroid, cravings for sweets and salty foods and excessive thirst. Low blood pressure and feeling fatigued when receiving adequate sleep are the most common symptoms reported with adrenal burnout syndrome.

Personality Symptoms

• Personality changes such as depression, anxiety and hostility provide obvious signs of adrenal burnout. Individuals may become compulsive or obsessive compulsive or addicted to certain activities that stimulate the adrenal glands. Severe mood swings, emotional instability and lack of interest in loved ones and daily activities indicate the possibility of adrenal burnout.

Testing

• When adrenal burnout symptoms are present in conjunction with one another, tests will be conducted to affirm the syndrome. A hair mineral analysis or testing of blood, saliva and hormones will assist in the diagnosis of adrenal burnout syndrome. Hair mineral tests, conducted from the examination of a hair under microscopes, out-rate the other types of testing due mostly to cost of materials necessary for the testing.

Causes

• Adrenal burnout happens when a person is under excessive stress. Stress weakens the adrenals. Poor nutrition and unhealthy diets from excessive stress add to the effects of stress on the adrenal glands. Work-related stress and emotional stress both contribute to adrenal burnout. In children, over-activeness contributes to adrenal burnout. Nutrition deficiencies are another common cause of fatigue to the adrenal glands.

Treatment

• Adrenal burnout is easily treated with diet and lifestyle changes. Consuming lots of water, getting adequate rest, taking nutritional supplements and properly managing negative emotions and stress can greatly benefit, treat and even prevent adrenal burnout. Sometimes hormone replacement may be used but many doctors, including Dr. Lawrence Wilson, claim that hormone replacement is both unnecessary and has the potential to complicate the condition. Other ways to treat or prevent adrenal burnout include taking regular breaks, meditating, receiving massages and having acupuncture treatments.