Severe Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms?

[designerstubble]

I have just had some lab test results that show I have severe adrenal fatigue... 

 

(I have just read up on Addisons disease which I know is connected to Celiac...)

 

Does anyone know how to recover from adrenal fatigue? Self help tips?...

 

I have scared myself with Addisons disease as I have many other of its symptoms (like pigmentation problems, aches&pains, craving salt, hairloss but to name a few) but I don't want to jump the gun (like I normally do)...

 

Anyone else have Severe Adrenal Fatigue... what were your symptoms?? Are you 'recovered'? Help! (and thank you)

[1desperateladysaved]

Yes, I did suffer from adrenal problems.  My main symptoms were fatigue.  I also recall a time when I had continuous adrenaline for a couple of days.  Supplements helped.  About 2 months ago I was given an herbal product to support the adrenal glands.  I believe it helped.  .

 

You can test the adrenal glands by using orthostatic blood pressure, according to my physician.  I began treatment with blood pressure that dived upon standing and stayed down.  No wonder I felt like I was crashing when I stood up!  I looked that up on the internet and it wasn't a good sign.  Supplements brought my orthostatic curve to normal, BUT we didn't know I had celiac disease.

 

Last November I had a very detailed nutrition test. As a result I was told that on the day of the test I had nothing to make cortisol with.  At the beginning of the day, my body I had nothing to cope with stress!.  The physician said I needed something to support my adrenal glands.  Through the doctor I got a Meta-genics product called Adreset.  They since put soy into Adreset and I will be switching to another company.  Maybe tomorrow I will know exactly what brand.

 

When I first went on Adreset, I  accidentally took a dose in the evening.  I woke up at 4 am and was  ready for the day!  From then on I always remembered to take that supplement at breakfast and lunch.  The experience reminded me of how powerful supplements can be.  I do recommend that you would find someone to help with adrenal support.  I believe the supplements I mentioned can only be purchased through a doctor.

 

I am feeling well now.  Whether the Adreset did it or if it was the diet I can't tell you.  I also am still on the supplements that saved my life. 

 

Did your doctor have any advice about what to do for weak adrenals?

 

 

 

D

[pricklypear1971]

Yes, thanks to AI and massive steroids for dh.

Going gluten-free helps, of course....

I take 5 mg dhea (1 am) and was taking ADR formula by Pure Encapsulations (2 in am, 1 pm).

Plus, regular supplements like iron, d, selenium (thyroid), and multivitamin.

I have found that I have a rt3 problem - my body does not convert the t4 in my thyroid med...and this contributes in a HUGE way to my adrenal issues. I started additional t3 and saw instant results in energy and clarity. So, for me I needed to tweak my thyroid meds.

Everyone is different with adrenals. I've found my adrenal performance is tied to my thyroid - it makes sense...but for me it is more true than for most.

Exercise is also essential. I know you feel terrible but moving your body usually helps. Start with very gentle stretching and walking. Do not overdo - its just as bad as not doing anything.

Also, eat on a regular schedule. If you get hungry your adrenals overwork (for what they're capable of in your case). Try preemptive eating.

You really need a doc that's good at the adrenal stuff. Your best hope is with a good ND. Will take work to find one, but its worth it.

And I am almost positive you have thyroid issues if you have adrenal issues - if only temporary.

[designerstubble]

Yes, I did suffer from adrenal problems.  My main symptoms were fatigue.  I also recall a time when I had continuous adrenaline for a couple of days.  Supplements helped.  About 2 months ago I was given an herbal product to support the adrenal glands.  I believe it helped.  .

 

You can test the adrenal glands by using orthostatic blood pressure, according to my physician.  I began treatment with blood pressure that dived upon standing and stayed down.  No wonder I felt like I was crashing when I stood up!  I looked that up on the internet and it wasn't a good sign.  Supplements brought my orthostatic curve to normal, BUT we didn't know I had celiac disease.

 

Last November I had a very detailed nutrition test. As a result I was told that on the day of the test I had nothing to make cortisol with.  At the beginning of the day, my body I had nothing to cope with stress!.  The physician said I needed something to support my adrenal glands.  Through the doctor I got a Meta-genics product called Adreset.  They since put soy into Adreset and I will be switching to another company.  Maybe tomorrow I will know exactly what brand.

 

When I first went on Adreset, I  accidentally took a dose in the evening.  I woke up at 4 am and was  ready for the day!  From then on I always remembered to take that supplement at breakfast and lunch.  The experience reminded me of how powerful supplements can be.  I do recommend that you would find someone to help with adrenal support.  I believe the supplements I mentioned can only be purchased through a doctor.

 

I am feeling well now.  Whether the Adreset did it or if it was the diet I can't tell you.  I also am still on the supplements that saved my life. 

 

Did your doctor have any advice about what to do for weak adrenals?

 

 

 

D

Thanks for that... So which supplement are you still on, the Adreset?

My doctor was pretty useless, she gave me a herbal remedy but I have yet to try it... Do adrenals ever recover on their own?

Were you diagnosed with addisons disease or is that something else?? I dont know at what point adrenal fatigue turns into addisons? From what i have read, Addisons looks quite nasty and you need to take proper meds for it, and also I read about the possibility of having adrenal crisis or something? Ugh!

Maybe thats why I am having leg pains during my period, maybe its all tied in. 

I have suffered severe fatigue and dizziness during period, but rest of month I'm not too bad to be honest. I don't really feel too tired (i do at the end of the day OR if I haven't slept well the night before)...so I was quite shocked about the discovery of the state of my adrenals!

 

Thanks for your help, hugs

[designerstubble]

Yes, thanks to AI and massive steroids for dh.

Going gluten-free helps, of course....

I take 5 mg dhea (1 am) and was taking ADR formula by Pure Encapsulations (2 in am, 1 pm).

Plus, regular supplements like iron, d, selenium (thyroid), and multivitamin.

I have found that I have a rt3 problem - my body does not convert the t4 in my thyroid med...and this contributes in a HUGE way to my adrenal issues. I started additional t3 and saw instant results in energy and clarity. So, for me I needed to tweak my thyroid meds.

Everyone is different with adrenals. I've found my adrenal performance is tied to my thyroid - it makes sense...but for me it is more true than for most.

Exercise is also essential. I know you feel terrible but moving your body usually helps. Start with very gentle stretching and walking. Do not overdo - its just as bad as not doing anything.

Also, eat on a regular schedule. If you get hungry your adrenals overwork (for what they're capable of in your case). Try preemptive eating.

You really need a doc that's good at the adrenal stuff. Your best hope is with a good ND. Will take work to find one, but its worth it.

And I am almost positive you have thyroid issues if you have adrenal issues - if only temporary.

Yes, I think you are right, as I have had weight gain, hairloss etc... I have made an appt for docs next week. Any ideas on what tests I might need?? The doc that tested my pee was private (i'm in UK) and I can't afford to go back to her. I'll have to go to the crusty local doc unfortunately that doesn't even know about celiac. 

Ugh. Its never ending hey?

I started exercising a couple of months ago, just one Tae Kwon Do class per week (but very hard going!!), and then last month i took up running too... So now I do one Tae Kwon Do class  and one 5km run every week... Its not tons but it's something, and I feel great when I do it. Infact, I have more energy now than I have had in 5 years???? I take iron, and b12/biotin... looking into vit d as I know I am borderline... 

Thanks for your help, there's always so much to find out...

Do you know what other symptoms you had that were caused by adrenals? Other than fatigue...

Do you think you'll be on these meds forever or is it something that recovers with time? I read that once you have Addisons, thats it, medication for life kind of thing.

Again thanks for any help, hugs

[1desperateladysaved]

Thanks for that... So which supplement are you still on, the Adreset?

My doctor was pretty useless, she gave me a herbal remedy but I have yet to try it... Do adrenals ever recover on their own?

Were you diagnosed with addisons disease or is that something else?? I dont know at what point adrenal fatigue turns into addisons? From what i have read, Addisons looks quite nasty and you need to take proper meds for it, and also I read about the possibility of having adrenal crisis or something? Ugh!

Maybe thats why I am having leg pains during my period, maybe its all tied in. 

I have suffered severe fatigue and dizziness during period, but rest of month I'm not too bad to be honest. I don't really feel too tired (i do at the end of the day OR if I haven't slept well the night before)...so I was quite shocked about the discovery of the state of my adrenals!

 

Thanks for your help, hugs

I got switched to Adapten-All by Ortho Molecular Products.  An herbal product would likely be good if it had the right ingredients.   My Functional Medicine nurse asked me to search out products through the internet for adrenal support, and not to buy them from their office next time.  They had 4 or 5 selections, but she thought I could do better on price.  I decided that I should just grow them myself.  I am working on that today.

 

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Niacin UsP

Vitmin B6

Bitamine B12

Pantothenic Acid

 

Eleuthero root extract

Rhodiola rosea Root extract

Schizandra Berry Extract

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Licorice Root Extract

 

 

I had my thyroid checked today while doing nutrient tests.

 

D

[pricklypear1971]

Yes, I think you are right, as I have had weight gain, hairloss etc... I have made an appt for docs next week. Any ideas on what tests I might need?? The doc that tested my pee was private (i'm in UK) and I can't afford to go back to her. I'll have to go to the crusty local doc unfortunately that doesn't even know about celiac.

Ugh. Its never ending hey?

I started exercising a couple of months ago, just one Tae Kwon Do class per week (but very hard going!!), and then last month i took up running too... So now I do one Tae Kwon Do class and one 5km run every week... Its not tons but it's something, and I feel great when I do it. Infact, I have more energy now than I have had in 5 years???? I take iron, and b12/biotin... looking into vit d as I know I am borderline...

Thanks for your help, there's always so much to find out...

Do you know what other symptoms you had that were caused by adrenals? Other than fatigue...

Do you think you'll be on these meds forever or is it something that recovers with time? I read that once you have Addisons, thats it, medication for life kind of thing.

Again thanks for any help, hugs

I suggest reading:

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Since I know I have Hashis, trying to determine which symptoms belong to each problem is difficult.

I can say my worst problems started after steroids for dh. Those included racing heart/pulse, anxiety, flight/fight urges, weight gain (water), racing thoughts, glucose instability. Basically, I felt stoned and on speed at the same time. My doctor told me not to leave the house and to eat every two hours. After a few weeks off the steroids, things calmed down... But I would still have episodes, especially if I got upset.

Enter Celiac dx/gluten-free for rash.....

Enter getting glutened or into anything to spike the rash.....total freak out.

I was ultimately left with lack if stamina, easy exhaustion, foggy brain, some heart palps. Added additional t3 to my thyroid regimen and got clearer, more energetic. Added too much t3 and started freaking out: glucose off, racing pulse, sweats....backed down t3 and all is better.

So, for me, my thyroid sets off my adrenals (and vice versa).

My doc says ill need some sort of adrenal help forever. As we lose ovary function (menopause) the adrenals do their job...and AI diseases stress the adrenals...so they're already tired from being inside an AI patient...so 2 AI diseases apparently REALLY tick them off.

That's all I can think of now. You've got to get proper treatment for this.

You don't have to have Addison's to be half dead from adrenals. I think you'd be unable to jog or do tae Kwan do if you have Addison's. I don't blame you for wondering...I was wondering the same thing about myself.

[nvsmom]

I too just was told that my adrenals aren't working very well. I know thyroid problems and other AI issues do a number on the adrenals and then they need a bit of help to get going again.  Adrenal fatigue is just your adrenals getting worn out by (physical) stress. Addisons' is AI in nature and not curable - as I understand it.

 

I'm being started on morning cortisol and DHEA this week. I'm hoping it will make a difference in my fatigue. I've been gluten-free for a year, my TSH is now 0.11 (I'm on natural dessicated thyroid so it's not a bad thing) but only the edge of my fatigue has been touched. I don't feel like I need to rest when I go up the stairs now, but my "get up and go" is still gone. Once I get going, I can keep going, especially if it is a fun activity like a soccer scimmage, but activity that is less fun just wipes me out quickly.

 

I hope your doctor gets it straighetened out for you.

[Gemini]

I have just had some lab test results that show I have severe adrenal fatigue... 

 

(I have just read up on Addisons disease which I know is connected to Celiac...)

 

Does anyone know how to recover from adrenal fatigue? Self help tips?...

 

I have scared myself with Addisons disease as I have many other of its symptoms (like pigmentation problems, aches&pains, craving salt, hairloss but to name a few) but I don't want to jump the gun (like I normally do)...

 

Anyone else have Severe Adrenal Fatigue... what were your symptoms?? Are you 'recovered'? Help! (and thank you)

I doubt you have Addison's because that would mean your cortisol levels would be bad all day long and night and then you would go into an adrenal crisis...that does not usually happen with adrenal fatigue.  Many people suffer from adrenal fatigue.  Addison's is the type of problem where you just go over a cliff at some point and get very sick, whereas adrenal fatigue is a lesser problem but still makes you feel run down and tired from lack of cortisol.

 

I have little morning cortisol but as the day goes on, cortisol levels are optimal.  If you want to help repair that, it is important that you get to bed earlier...way before midnight.  Your body makes cortisol whe you sleep and for some reason, it makes cortisol before midnight.  It has something to do with the circadian rhythm of the human body but that's how it works.  If you want to increase levels, try and get to bed by 10:00 pm....which is extremely hard for me as I do a long day and am a total night owl.  But you do not make cortisol at 3:00 am so if you go to bed late, your morning levels will not be optimum.

 

As for supplements, if you are newly diagnosed or not healed yet, I would suggest not bothering to take anything that isn't sublingual/fast melting under the tongue.  You may not be absorbing well yet and the supplements would be a waste of time.  Sublingual supplements go directly into your blood stream.  Metagenics is a very good company for supplements but not sure if they do much sublingual.  I take some of their vitamins but you need a doctor to buy them and I am gluten-free long term so am absorbing well again.

 

Thyroid function needs to be checked with adrenal fatigue because the two go hand in hand and you cannot get adrenal function optimized if the thyroid is not working well.

 

With Addison's, you take cortisol for the rest of your life.  It is not medication but replacing what your adrenals do not make enough of.  Same with Hashi's thyroid disease...I take thyroid hormone to replace what I don't make enough of.  It's like taking vitamins....no big deal.

 

Keep up the exercise and sleep earlier in the evening, plus maintain a strict gluten-free diet and that will help.  Above all, do not worry about it too much because worry is not good for the adrenals......

[Foolish-Michie]

Oh yes. After two years of constant, daily mega (mega, mega) stress coupled with undiagnosed gluten issues, my adrenals are wiped out. My doc has me on Metagenics Exhilarin (along with an A to Z of other supplements and a nutrition plan). 

 

I have a number of things going on (gluten intolerance, malabsorption related malnutrition - especially vita D, adrenal insufficiency, vitiligo, possibly an issue with corn...) and don't really know what to lay at which door so I'll just give you my entire list of 'major' symptoms to see if you connect with any of them. Some have already improved but I'm in early days and it is amazing how accidental exposure to gluten can set me back.

 

1. Constant debilitating exhaustion

2. Inability to tolerate heat (would start slurring and then eventually pass out for hours)

3. Menstrual problems

4. Excessive urination (sometimes 26 times a day)

5. Emotional roller coaster - anxious over nothing but, often, apathetic about everything

6. Deterioration of mental capacity and ability to concentrate (bad enough that I was questioning whether or not I had brain damage)

7. Irritability

8. Dry skin

9. Vertigo and dizziness

10. Heart palpitations

11. Extreme ankle swelling (so not normal for me!) and periods of intense foot pain when walking

12. Joint and bone pain

13. Really unpleasant stools

14. Hypersensitivity to noise

15. Muscle cramps/spasms in my feet and diaphragm/chest

16. Headaches (not normal for me)

17. Stomach aches

18. Two episodes of something extremely painful going on in my right kidney/adrenal area

 

Wow! Now that I have typed all of that out I can say that I am actually feeling A LOT better after cutting out gluten!!!! Yay!

 

I'm also under doctor's orders to make sure I am in bed by 10 every night, no excuses. And lifestyle changes aimed at reducing stress have also been mandated.