Typically, we think of work, finances, or relationships when it comes to stress.
But the list is much bigger and broader than this. Lack of sleep, dieting, skipping meals, and winning the lottery are also stressful!
Why? Because all of these situations signal your body to produce cortisol, one of your stress hormones.
This is helpful up to a point (because it helps us get our to-do lists done), but when our adrenals are required to chronically crank out cortisol, they eventually become impaired in their ability to respond. The resulting adrenal imbalance not only zaps your mojo in a big way, but also affects your body’s ability to produce and balance other feel-good hormones like DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This throws your hormone symphony way off key!
Here’s what significant adrenal dysfunction looks like on a DUTCH test. This client has no adrenal reserves at all. The little cortisol she does have is produced mostly at night and is likely the source of her insomnia. The solution for this is rooted in tender, loving self-care and stress management:
Signs that Trouble is Ahead
By the time symptoms develop, your body is waving a red flag and letting you know that it is not receiving the support it needs. Ignoring what’s going on WON’T make it better… this is not a situation you want to just “power through.”
Here are some of the signs and symptoms that can indicate adrenal imbalance. See if you recognize any of these tendencies in yourself:
High Cortisol | Low Cortisol |
Sleep
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Energy
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Coping style
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What Your Mind is Doing
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Weight
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There is a lot of overlap of the signs and symptoms listed above with other sex hormone imbalances or other illnesses, so adrenal imbalance may not always be the root cause. Hormone testing can identify which imbalance is the actual problem, allowing you and your provider to target treatment appropriately and get your mojo back on the right track.
[bctt tweet=”Here are some of the signs and symptoms that can indicate adrenal imbalance. #Hormones #cortisol #stress #adrenalfatigue #adrenaldysfunction #perimenopause #menopause #stressmanagement ” username=”DrAnnaGarrett”]
The remedy for adrenal dysfunction may be as simple as getting more sleep or cleaning up your diet. But for more advanced cases, support with herbs and vitamins may be necessary.
The good news is, when addressed in time with proper support, you can heal adrenal imbalance and reverse the damaging effects of chronic stress.
Dr. Anna Garrett is a menopause expert and Doctor of Pharmacy. She helps women who are struggling with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause find natural hormone balancing solutions so they can rock their mojo through midlife and beyond. Dr. Anna is the author of Perimenopause: The Savvy Sister’s Guide to Hormone Harmony. Order your copy at www.perimenopausebook.com.
Dr. Anna is available for 1-1 consultations. Find out more at www.drannagarrett.com/lets-
