Adrenal Fatigue/failure Questions

[Guest AutumnE]

I am not familiar with this but have found a few things that make me question it. I never eat early in the morning because I feel horrible after I eat. I feel so much better if I wait till the afternoon but by the time that comes around Im starving and need cola to get a boost or a sugary snack to get rid of the headaches. Lately its been horrid. I am trying so hard to get rid of the corn in my diet but these migraines Im getting are making it hard to function. I have low blood pressure frequently. In the shower if I bend down too long I see spots and get really dizzy, we are talking only a couple of minutes. I feel overwhelmed and overstressed all the time. Im also a person who does not vent my frustration IRL easily so I generally just suck it up which makes it worse.

I hate to be such a whiner but its frustrating. I havent felt this bad in years. How would you go about finding out if you have this? What treatment or diet is needed? I thought I was having problems with corn and withdrawals but its been a few weeks almost and its not much better. Somewhat it is better with the stomach issues and bloating but I would have thought I would be through withdrawal now.

Thanks for any help

[CarlaB]

There are two books on this that I've read/am reading and both have questionnaires in them that can help determine if you have it. Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome and Tired of Being Tired by Jesse Lynne Hanley, M.D. You can also google to see what many of the symptoms are, but from how detailed your post is, I'd guess you already have.

It sounds like a definate possibility. Most docs don't recognize it until it's progressed enough to be Addison's disease, but there is a saliva test that can show it. I had a hair mineral analysis that showed I had it. You would have to find a doc open to more alternative treatments to get this diagnosis. All the "cures" for it are things you can do yourself, so getting one of the books would be a good start.

I'd also recommend eating something in the morning -- that's one of the most important things. Be sure it includes protein. Eat every few hours, always including protein -- five or six meals per day. Get to bed by 10, sleep till 9 if you can. Take a nap when you can. Reduce stress. Don't do strenuous exercise, but walking or yoga type exercise is good.

[Guest AutumnE]

Thanks Carla

I have googled a touch tonight but not found sufficient information till my last search after I posted this except for symptoms. I currently eat plain veggies, fruit and meat. But not near that many meals maybe three and a possible snack. Im bad about getting enough protein in also. I have a tendency just to munch on cauliflower or carrots.

I will try and reduce stress, lately we havent been walking because its pretty cold outside lately but maybe walking in the mall in the mornings would be fun. My sleep has been sporadic. Im having insomnia and reading before bed after my daughter goes to sleep and she has only been sleeping about 9 hours a night with rare naps here and there. She is almost three and is trying to skip them completely. Im lucky if I get more than six hours lately with also waking up throughout the night.

Im on a bunch of supplements right now so Im thinking Im getting adequate vitamins.

Some of the info Im finding seems a touch out there such as avoiding tv, computer and cell phones Do you do this?

I'll check out the books from my library and see if they carry them. Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I dont really need an official diagnosis, I just want to feel good again. I felt really good when I originally went gluten free and just want to be back there again.

[CarlaB]

No, I don't avoid the tv and computer.

I was the same way. Initially I felt better, but then I got worse again. The books are a help. If you can't find them at the library, you can buy them at Barnes and Noble.

Part of the problem with insomnia is adrenal related, so is difficulty getting up in the morning.

Was your iron level ever checked? Anemia can also cause fatigue. So can low thyroid, but that is often caused by weak adrenals.

Well, it's a little past ten ... must keep to the program! Talk with you tomorrow.

Sleep is a challenge with little ones ... I have six kids. You WILL eventually sleep again! I promise!!

[Guest AutumnE]

Thanks Carla

Wow six kids you are very blessed to have such a full family. Our daughter may be our only one but I figure we will just spoil her rotten

Thanks for all your help, I probably will be back with more questions. I was just checked for anemia and it was fine. I do have hypothyroidism and have been on medicaiton for almost 5 years. Last check it was in the normal level.

[CarlaB]

I am blessed. It's fun around here.

Low thyroid can go right along with adrenal fatigue.

[georgie]

AutumnE, When you said you are treated for Thyroid - is it Synthroid ? And when you said your last tests were normal - have you seen the paperwork?

Its possible that you have a problem with converting T4 to T3. If that is so - you need Armour meds. Yes, low adrenal function does go with low Thyroid. Have you had a test with saliva testing for Adrenals ?

Do you hate bright light ? Noise? stopthethyroidmadness has a self test for adrenal function that seems to work.

Hope you find your answer soon.

[Guest AutumnE]

Thanks Carla and georgie

I did have the full thyroid work up from an endo years ago and he was suppose to check for t4 to t3 conversion and said it was fine.

Alot of my symptoms are dissipating right now, I thought I was dairy, soy, gluten and corn free. I wasnt! I feel better and finally got a full 10 hours of sleep last night for the first time in a long time. Getting rid of corn has made a huge difference. Im going to keep an eye on things but Im hopeful I just hadn't totally eliminated my corn problem and so I was having symptoms. I will check the adrenal test out and I ordered the books today carla from barnes and noble. Im so excited to feel good!

Thanks so much

[georgie]

I would still get the paperwork from your last Thyroid checks. Just in case. Most people feel heaps better when they switch to Armour although if you have weak adrenals - you will need to treat them too.