You are definitely not reading it wrong! We are going to talk about a condition that most working-age people have probably experienced themselves, which is “Adrenal Fatigue”. The name might still be a bit confusing, but if we describe the symptoms, young men and women will surely raise their hands and say yes.
“Adrenal Fatigue” is a common condition, but most people do not realize it is a disease symptom. They think it is just fatigue or a personal habit.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include not wanting to wake up in the morning, not wanting to get out of bed, needing a long time to get up, still feeling tired late in the morning, but feeling better after consuming caffeine, sweets, or salty foods such as drinking coffee, eating sweet snacks, salted plums, or potato chips. In the afternoon, there is fatigue and weakness, and eating food makes you feel better. However, in the evening, the feeling of tiredness and exhaustion returns. Regarding sleep, if you go to bed early in the evening, you can fall asleep, but if you stay up late without sleeping, you will experience insomnia, feeling alert and unwilling to sleep until about 2:00 AM, then you fall asleep.
So, am I lazy, or is it adrenal fatigue?
The adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys and look like small caps. They produce several hormones, and notably, they secrete stress hormones cortisol and anti-stress hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone). These two hormones must be balanced in the human body. The reason the body needs stress hormones is that cortisol stimulates the body to have energy to prepare to face daily problems, both in normal and emergency situations. For example, during a fire, you might see people carrying heavy pots and running away as if those objects are not heavy. This happens because the body releases cortisol along with adrenaline. The highest cortisol secretion occurs in the morning and gradually decreases throughout the day. The necessity of having both hormones together means that increasing anti-stress hormones is important.
Changes for Self-Care
- Eat breakfast to help regulate hormone secretion normally
- Do not skip any meal
- Divide food intake into several small meals
- Eat foods high in good fiber, vegetables, and non-sweet fruits
- Consume good fats, unsaturated fatty acids such as sources of omega-3 and 6: deep-sea fish, salmon, mackerel, soybeans, peas
- Reduce sugar and avoid high glycemic index foods such as soft drinks, snacks, cakes, cookies, spaghetti
Low anti-stress hormone levels will cause life to be filled with stress, leading to a weakened immune system, making it easy to catch colds. Doctors may consider prescribing oral DHEA, but this requires detailed hormone testing and consideration of cancer genetic history. Additionally, the dosage must be appropriate to avoid affecting other hormones such as sex hormones. Vitamins and necessary natural extracts may also be added to help support and improve adrenal gland function and reduce inflammation in the body.
The benefits of testing stress and anti-stress hormones and receiving treatment not only help improve the body’s conditions but also confirm that some life problems are not caused by mental or environmental issues but by adrenal fatigue. Therefore, if you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, do not forget to check your cortisol and DHEA levels at the Anti-Aging Medicine Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital.
Dr. Kobkulya Jungprasertsri
Director of Premier Life Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
