What is it?
Stress is not just a matter of perception, but it is a true physiologic response in our body that involves production of the hormones adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol. These hormones are produced by two small glands in the body, called the adrenal glands.
There are many stressors that can stimulate production of our stress hormones, including mental/physical/
psychological stressors, inflammation and injuries, infections, food sensitivities, excess fat, hormonal imbalance, sleep disruption, environmental toxins, and others. With chronic exposure to these factors, combined with our busy schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, cortisol production can become excessive and eventually get depleted, leading to some form of adrenal fatigue and burnout.
Common symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:
- General Fatigue
- Insomnia (particularly waking during the night at 2-4am)
- Daytime sleepiness and crash
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Irritability
- Other hormonal imbalances