Adrenal Dysfunction 101

Posted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on Aug 30, 2011
  • Do you have a hard time falling asleep at night?
  • Do you wake up frequently during the night?
  • Do you have a hard time waking up in the morning early or feeling refreshed?
  • Do you get an afternoon slump, only to perk up around 6 or 7pm, and then get a second wind around 9:30?
  • Are you lacking in energy?
  • Do you feel tired yet wired?
  • Do bright lights bother you more than they should?
  • Do you startle easily due to noise?
  • When standing from sitting or from lying down, do you feel lightheaded or dizzy?
  • Do you take things too seriously, and are you easily defensive?
  • Do you feel you don’t cope well with certain people or events in your life?
  • Are you moody or do you have excessive emotions?
  • Are you prone to yelling or screaming?
  • Are you irritable and accusatory?
  • Do you have sharp verbal responses?
  • Do you have excessive sensitivity to others’ suffering?
  • Do you sigh frequently or have “air hunger?”
  • Do you crave fat and salt?
  • Do you have a hard time handling foods high in potassium or carbohydrates unless they’re combined with fats and protein?
  • Do you have an autoimmune condition, especially Hashimoto’s (autoimmune hypothyroidism)? Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and adrenal issues often go hand in hand.)

[My best selling cookbook is now available: The Essential Thyroid Cookbook: Over 100 Nourishing Recipes for Thriving with Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.]

Adrenal fatigue is a hormonal disruption due to chronic stress and the overproduction of stress hormones. It’s sometimes called non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, which is not a widely accepted diagnosis in the world of conventional medicine. Adrenal fatigue is not Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the adrenal glands completely fail. It’s a milder syndrome where the adrenals get bogged down and can’t keep up with the demands we place on ourselves.

Most doctors tend to think in black and white and adrenal fatigue is one of those gray areas - either you have Addison’s or you don’t. But an emerging group of functional medicine practitioners is currently doing an amazing job of raising awareness about this epidemic that is estimated to affect 80% of the population to some degree. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, “We in Western medicine don’t know how to recognize a problem until it has manifested as a ‘disease.’ It’s a lot like brake pads - until brake pads have worn down completely, you don’t know that they are wearing down.”

If you’re in the initial stages of adrenal fatigue, where you’re overproducing stress hormones, and then stress continues unaddressed, your body will enter a second phase of adrenal fatigue, where the adrenals simply get exhausted. They can’t maintain cortisol and adrenaline production and people have a really difficult time coping with the simplest of life’s demands.

To the body, stress is stress. It doesn’t matter if your stress is from being chased by a bear or a deadline at work. And in today’s culture, we are subjected to ‘round-the-clock stressors, unlike our ancestors, who had periods of stress from hunting and foraging for food, for example, followed by long periods of relaxation.

Tiny and Mighty
The adrenals are two small glands that sit atop the kidneys. They are responsible for releasing calculated and small amounts of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, that trigger the fight or flight response that helps us deal with life-threatening situations. Because so many of us are living our lives in a stressed-out emergency state, we’re now releasing stress hormones relentlessly.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a stress monger, modern, everyday life, with all of its traffic jams, deadlines, economic stress, overconsumption of caffeine and sugar, being constantly plugged in and on the go, and never-ending negative media chatter can lead to an overproduction of stress hormones. So yes, there is a spectrum of adrenal fatigue that can run from mild adrenal fatigue to total adrenal exhaustion.

As if the symptoms of adrenal fatigue – cravings, sleep disturbances, blood sugar issues, moodiness, overwhelm, achiness, feeling ungrounded, and mental exhaustion – weren’t enough, there is another unwanted byproduct of tired adrenals…belly fat. Cortisol is “the belly fat hormone” and if you’re overproducing cortisol, you probably have some extra padding around the middle.

Love Yourself Up
So how do you address adrenal fatigue? You might be surprised with what I have to tell you. It’s treatable with whole foods nutrition and…lots of self-care. There is no drug for adrenal fatigue, and those over the counter glandulars often further stimulate and fatigue your glands. So yep, making your health, sanity, and wellbeing a priority is what nourished and supports the adrenals. The key is to allay the stress in your life and keep these glands from overproducing stress hormones.

Evaluate what’s going on in your life and don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed. Don’t push yourself and learn to say, “No.” Practice with me here, “NO.”

With adrenal fatigue, pushing ourselves is completely counterproductive to healing, but those stress hormones that amp us up often make us want to push more and do more. You have to learn to slow down. This can seem impossible for some people, especially when we live in a society that overvalues productivity and working ourselves to a frenzy. I’m asking you to be a rebel here and go against this unfounded rule that things have to be this way. Otherwise, you could truly wear yourself out. Then where will that leave you?

The pillars of repairing the adrenals:

  • Don’t crash and burn with caffeine, sugar, and refined carbs. This includes alcohol, which is a form of sugar. People with adrenal fatigue fall into that trap of reaching for caffeine and sugar (the terrible twosome) to keep them marching on, but these can further stress your adrenals, so it’s wise to eliminate them from your diet. Just say no to the energy bungee cord.
  • Make the focus of your meals and snacks protein and fat, with a lesser focus on carbohydrates. But do not eliminate carbs!
  • Balance your blood sugar. Dysglycemia (dysregulated blood sugar) is a serious stressor for the body and can make balancing and nourishing your adrenals nearly impossible.
  • Take an adaptogenic herb, like ashwagandha. Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs that have a bi-directional ability to adapt to what your adrenals need. 
  • Eat breakfast within 45 min. of waking to get your metabolism burning and to help your body regulate your cortisol cycle, which will help with sleep.
  • Make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamins B and C, sometimes needed over and above what’s already in your multivitamin, at least for a time.
  • Do restorative exercise, like yoga, or walking. Don’t overtax the body with rigorous exercise. This can cause a stress response, which will make you overproduce cortisol, the belly fat hormone.
  • Say NO to more things.
  • Breathe. Even five minutes a day of deep breathing will do wonders for your adrenals.
  • Sleep like it’s your job. And go to bed early, if you can. Every hour before midnight is like two hours after. Set a quiet alarm for one hour before you turn in so that you can turn off all electronics, drink some herbal tea, maybe take a hot bath. Eight to 9 hours is ideal. For those recovering from severe adrenal exhaustion, 10 hours may be required initially.
  • If you’re feeling fried, cancel your appointments for the day, if possible, and recharge your batteries by resting.
  • Get quiet time TO YOURSELF. By yourself. Schedule uninterrupted, ALONE time, all for you, and do whatever you want to do…read trashy celebrity magazines, knit, write in a journal, whatever makes you feel good.
  • Get creative. Incorporate some creativity into your life. Play an instrument, dance, paint, write, crochet … I’m telling you, this is food for the adrenals.
  • Engage with people who you most enjoy and who bring out the best in you. It’s okay to let go of relationships that no longer serve you.
  • Play. Let go of what drains you. You don’t have to do it all.

Any approach to correcting adrenal fatigue must address the effects of chronic stress. And as you can see from the list I have provided you, there is a lot of fun involved!

Posted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on Aug 30, 2011

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Comments

At the age of 39, after the birth of our fourth daughter, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  My level was 38 at the time of testing.  Since then they have adjusted my Synthroid as my TSH has been all over the place - as low as .1 and as high as  6.  I was sick in July for a couple of days and didn’t take my medication.  I was feeling better, probably from recovering from a summer bug, but decided at that time to stop taking my meds until my next level check to see how things were going.  I wasn’t feeling all that well when on my medication and the weight gain was awful!!! So I made the decision to take some time off.  During this time I’ve lost 8lbs. in 6 weeks.  I haven’t lost a pound in over a year, and when I do lose it’s a pound or two and then it comes back with more. I am normally a 135 lb. person, but I am stuck at 175 lbs. (and  I now this may sound petty) but it’s awful.  I have talked with my endo. til I’m blue in the face about the weight issue and she has no answers.  So, with that being said, since I’ve been off the meds. I’ve lost weight, I feel great, my hair and nails are wonderful, BUT when having my blood work done last week my Vitamin D level is low, and my TSH went from .7 to 8.56 since May.  So now they want to up my Synthroid.  The thought of gaining weight and not feeling so hot is discouraging.  From January to June I went from 163 - 175lbs. They weight gain needs to stop, and I am trying to help by following Paleo and excercising at least 3 times a week.  Do I go back on the meds.???  I don’t want anything else healthwise to be in jeopardy, but I feel like I’m stuck in someone else’s body.  Just wanting some thoughts on the matter. Thank you!!!

Submitted by Jen on September 6, 2014 - 2:48pm

I understand your frustration completely.  We hear many stories similar to yours.  While thyroid medications can be helpful, they are only one piece of the puzzle.  Dietary and lifestyle strategies can be very effective as they often address the root cause of hypothyroidism.  And measuring TSH only, without the other thyroid hormones and both thyroid antibodies, doesn’t provide a full picture of your thyroid function.  We can’t dispense advice via a blog or email, but we’d love to help you.  If you would like to talk to us in detail, please use the form on the Contact page to sign up for a personalized Introductory session.  One more thing…we do encourage our clients to find another MD if the care you are currently getting isn’t satisfactory.   Good luck.  Warmly, Susan

Submitted by Susan Prince on September 15, 2014 - 3:24pm

I cannot tell  you how fortunate I am to have discovered this page. While I have not been formally diagnosed with adrenal issues, from reading symptoms and your advice on natural, self treatment - Bingo. I am 90% of your list.  I went to the local healthfood store today and purchased some tea with holy basil and a supplement for adrenal function as well as a host of other nurturing items. I've also restructured my time to include a warm, candlelit bath before bed, getting to bed well before midnight, daily walks with my dog, and making art dates with myself. The kitchen cupboards have been purged of anything less than organic, nonprocessed, no sugar, etc items. (I was busy today!) The past 3-4 years have been extremely stressful - I work in a toxic environment as a teacher - it's not the students, but the adults and their attitudes and mindsets. Add to that having raised 3 children as a single mother (2 of them testy boys - the 'baby' left for college 2 months ago so the hosue is mine all mine!), and I feel pretty fried. I look it, too. Couldn't put a finger on what's wrong with me.  So, just feeling like I have something concrete to address has made me feel back towards being in control. I know I need to see a physician for a thorough check up but I really think addressing self care for me by following your suggestions and nurturing my adrenals is where I need to start.

Thank you for this page. I think it saved my life.

Namaste, Diana

Submitted by Diana on October 11, 2014 - 11:10pm

Hi Diana, wow, thank you for this incredible feedback. We’re so glad that this post made such in impression on you. It sounds like you’ve really taken the bull by the horns. FYI, the “gold standard” for testing the adrenals is an ASI salivary panel (adrenal stress index). Many functional/integrative medicine doctors will administer this test, but you can also order it online from a direct-to-consumer lab. 

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on October 20, 2014 - 11:21am

I HAVE NO THYROID AND HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM. ONE MONTH I AM HYPO HAVING MY GENERIC SYNTHROID RAISED TO 250 AND THE NEXT MONTH MY BLOOD WORK COMES BACK SHOWING THAT MY THYROID IS OVERACTIVE, LOWERING MY SYNTHROID TO 200. THE DOCTOR ALSO ORDERED THE ACTUAL BRAND SYNTHROID, NOT GENERIC. I HAVE BEEN FEELING FOR QUITE SOME TIME THAT MY AGE OF 55, BEING IN THE MIDST OF MENOPAUSE AND THE USE OF A GENERIC MEDICATION HAS BEEN PLAYING HAVOC WITH MY HEALTH. FOR THE PAST MONTH, I HAVE BEEN DIZZY, TIRED, FOGGY, EXPERIENCING HEART PALPATATIONS, ETC. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO EAT CLEAN, TAKE SUPPLEMENTS AND STAY CALM IN HOPES THAT THIS WILL SOME DAY GO AWAY! DO YOU HAVE ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR ME?

Submitted by DONNA on October 29, 2014 - 9:51pm

Hi Donna, swinging back and forth from hypo to hyper symptoms is indicative of autoimmunity/Hashimoto’s. Because we aren’t doctors, we can’t diagnose anyone with anything, but I’m wondering if you’ve had your antibodies checked. And yes, you can still have antibodies even though there is no thyroid tissue – just because the thyroid has been removed doesn’t mean that antibody production has been mitigated. Often times, people are diagnosed with an “overactive” thyroid or with hyperthyroidism because of low TSH, but low TSH doesn’t necessarily mean you’re hyperthyroid.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on October 30, 2014 - 9:15am

I've read it is unsafe to take licorice while breastfeeding. Is there something else I can do in the meantime?

Submitted by Yollie on February 6, 2015 - 12:14pm

Hi Yollie, I would recommend an adaptogenic herb, like ashwagandha or holy basil.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on February 6, 2015 - 1:00pm

My TSH level is 13.8 .... seeking for home remedies to lower it.... I'm so glad to  find this post. I have problem to relax.... it's very sad!  

Submitted by Anhermali on May 9, 2015 - 10:39pm

Oh dear, it's like it'd describing me. Post Graves, I've never been right. I've lived on colossal amounts of stimulants for most of my life but even a sniff of caffeine now causes palpitations. I have vocal weakness, leg tremors, explosive irritability, no capacity for stress whatsoever when I used to run on stress before! 

Submitted by R on May 16, 2015 - 10:24am

Thankful I found this page, dealing with the beginnings of finding out that this may be what is the culprit for my exhaustion. Not to mention that I identify with the list!!  I will see my doctor today to discuss my situation, really don't want to go on any meds soooooo I plan to talk about this with him today!  Blessings to you!  

Submitted by Gina on June 1, 2015 - 9:29am

Actually there is a supplement that can be taken to boost the adrenals.  It's called Adrenogen.  It's hoemopathic--I get it through my Applied Kineseologist.  For those living in or near the Twin Cities (Mpls/St. Paul), look up Dr Zins at Zins Chiropractic in Golder Valley.  He also has an office in St. Michael-and he's amazing.

Submitted by Judy on June 18, 2015 - 4:02pm

Thanks for sharing, Judy, but we don’t like glandulars. We love the Metagenics brand, but never recommend raw adrenal concentrate (bovine or porcine adrenal) for anyone.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on June 18, 2015 - 4:06pm

I wanted to Thank You so much for this information. I have all but one of the symptoms you mentioned and when I first saw this site, I felt like I won the lotto.... finally something is actually wrong with me and I'm NOT crazy. For years I thought I was crazy, Doctors just saying anxiety this, panic attack that, drugs, drugs,drugs (non of which I took anyway). No one would listen to me that "something just isn't right". My blood work always came out great so I just believed them, yet I always don't feel good so how can that be? I cry at sappy commercials, I jump through the roof if someone startles me, sleep is way out of rythym, and I'm taking for ever to write this :)....and so forth. Thank you... for hope, for facts and for a chance to get better. This is such a gift to me!

Submitted by April A. on January 14, 2016 - 7:54pm

Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you found this helpful, April. Conventional medicine has pretty much failed at recognizing adrenal dysfunction. You may be interested in my 3-part Restore Your Adrenals program. I’m offering it for half price through Jan. 22. It truly is life-changing and takes everything above – and more – and shows you how to nourish and support your adrenals and find balance. www.healthfulelements.com/energy

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on January 14, 2016 - 8:33pm

Any advice on adrenal fatigue during pregnancy? I've heard the mother will "borrow" adrenal hormonal from the fetus if she is too low. Would you ever recommend Adrenal Cortex supplements short term?

Submitted by Cari on April 17, 2016 - 6:09pm

My mother told me that a doctor explained to her  "You have hypothyroidism but it won't show up on the tests.   Don't let anyone tell you differently.  You must take synthroid for the rest of your life."  Since the birth of my son 16 years ago, I have had dry skin which i attributed to nursing.  But the dry skin continued and I have had doctors speculate that i have hypthyroid but, once ordering the tests and getting the results, are satisfied that because the tests show no problem, nothing more needs to be done.  I have sleep problems, itchy dry skin, afternoon fatigue, irritability and restlessness, and brain fog.  Thank you for your article which explained a lot.  I am looking at adrenal adjustment and natural remedies for hypothyroidism.

Submitted by janelle on April 21, 2016 - 8:13pm

Thank you! Im on the verge if a nervous breakdown from not saying NO more often! And everything said here is what I know myself (from knowing my own body/conditions and being knowledgeable about science health food life humans and this society! But reading this page may be the turning point for me. I need for someone to tell ME and not have me try to tell everyone else. Its not working anymore and im getting scared about my own reactions! Thank you. I know (have known) what is wrong...just good to hear it from someone else$

Submitted by Marie on February 26, 2017 - 10:20pm

I had my thyroid removed 32 years ago at 19YO due to Graves Disease and a large goiter.  I was put on Synthroid and was fine until I got pregnant with my first child.  The OB never increased my synthroid dose for either pregnancy.  I had a very stressful first marriage, divorced and then finally married my husband.  I lost all my stress weight, size 14 to a size 4!  I maintained that for over 9 years.  For the last 3-4 years I have been steadily gaining weight and losing weight - still a size 6-8 but definitely not what I was.  My job is very stressful because the person I work for is awful most of the time.  My TSH levels have been all over the place for 3.5 years.  I have an amazing primary care doctor that willingly tested my cortisol when the endo wouldn't.  He also tested me for estrogen dominance.  I was convinced that the estrogen was affecting my TSH levels and that when showing hyper (.30 and lower) it was a false number due to the adrenals not being able to properly function.  I did my research and I started taking Gaia adrenal support - 2 months ago - my TSH is now testing at 6.07 - I know that .50 TSH is my happy place  - primary care increased my synthroid and will retest in 6 weeks.  I have been taking the adrenal support, evening primrose oil, a good vegan multi vitamin, fish oil and D3.  I have morphed into a mostly vegetarian diet in the last 2 months as well.  Every morning I have 2 eggs and 3 egg whites, mid day I have a protein drink and then I have a smoothie made with berries, greens, flax/chia, protein powder and apple cider vinegar and then a protein rich dinner.  I am well exercised - walking, running and weights which calms me.  When I found this article, I knew that I was not imagining my symptoms the last 3-4 years and am glad that I followed my instincts!  Thank you so much for this article! 

Submitted by cupoftea7 on October 10, 2017 - 9:04am

Thank you so much! This was the best article ever. Really helped me & calmed my stress levels down. :) I laughed at trashy magazines hahaha

Submitted by Chelsea on February 17, 2019 - 4:21am

For those of us extremely allergic to ashwagandha, is there another option you recommend? I am having a tough time finding recommended supplements that do not include ashwagandha. Thanks!

Submitted by Erik on April 25, 2019 - 10:55am

Hi Erik, yes, there are several. I actually recommend a single adaptogen vs. an adaptogenic blend. I like holy basil and rhodiola.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on April 25, 2019 - 10:58am

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