Ask Emily — adrenal imbalance
QUESTION:
What’s the difference between adrenal imbalance and just being tired?
ANSWER:
Adrenal imbalance (often called “adrenal fatigue” in popular parlance) occurs when
we experience more sustained stress than we can handle. When you’re simply tired,
a good night’s sleep is usually enough to restore your energy. With adrenal imbalance,
you rarely find your sleep restorative. This is commonly due to a pattern characterized
by high nighttime levels of cortisol — a “stay-alert” hormone produced by the adrenals
— or low daytime cortisol, or a combination of both.
You can have your cortisol levels tested with an Adrenal Stress Index. High 24-hour
cortisol levels and low daytime cortisol, as well as low DHEA, is a pattern associated
with an impaired stress response. Over time, the imbalance can become more pronounced,
and the adrenals may produce less and less cortisol as they become increasingly
impaired.
Fortunately, you can get your energy back. We use a natural approach to replenishing
your adrenal reserves, combining adrenal-healthy nutrition, regular gentle exercise,
stress-reduction measures, adequate rest, and professionally formulated phytotherapeutic
supplements.
Read our articles about adrenal health in women
More questions on adrenal imbalance
Our NEW Personal Program for Adrenal Health — for the
symptoms of stress
Our popular Personal Program can help you manage the effects of stress by relieving
your symptoms and promoting natural adrenal balance. We’ve created custom
protocols to address each woman’s specific adrenal profile, with our exclusive
adrenal support formulas, advanced nutritional supplements, and practical dietary
and lifestyle guidance to maximize your results.
This amazing Program is a convenient, at-home version taken directly from our recommendations
to adrenal health patients at our clinic. If you have questions and want to talk
to a real person — call us toll-free at
1-800-798-7902. Or e-mail us at
personalprogram@womentowomen.com.
Last Modified:
04/18/2011