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Tired of Adrenal Fatigue?

Heather Bedard, C.H.E.


Adrenal fatigue has become a buzzword in the world of alternative health, but how much of what we hear is grounded in truth? If you’ve been feeling exhausted, foggy, or not like yourself, you might begin to wonder if adrenal fatigue is the answer to your struggles. Before jumping to conclusions or diving into supplements, let’s break down what adrenal fatigue is and if that’s really what is going on.

 

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

The term “adrenal fatigue” is often used to describe symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, difficulty losing weight, and moodiness. But here’s the thing: in medical terms, adrenal fatigue, as most people understand it, doesn’t exist. True adrenal insufficiency — known as Addison’s disease or hypo-adrenalism—is a serious, but extremely rare, condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones regulate essential bodily functions like blood pressure, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. Without them, the body struggles to function properly.


Most people diagnosed with adrenal fatigue don’t have Addison’s disease. Instead, they may be experiencing less severe imbalances or underlying lifestyle issues that contribute to their symptoms.

 

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

There’s one major red flag you should be aware of if you decide to go to a natural medicine doctor to address your symptoms. Many holistic practitioners rely on saliva tests or long symptom checklists to diagnose adrenal fatigue. The problem? Saliva tests for hormone levels are notoriously unreliable, as hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. A single test could provide completely different readings if taken just minutes apart.

 

Symptom checklists are also problematic, in my opinion, because the symptoms they describe — fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, or difficulty sleeping — are incredibly generic and could point to dozens of different causes.

 

The Danger of Misdiagnosing Adrenal Fatigue

Instead of relying on an adrenal fatigue diagnosis for peace of mind, it’s essential to dig deeper. What’s really going on? Fatigue and other related symptoms are often caused by issues like poor diet, lack of sleep, chronic stress, or even undiagnosed medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid imbalances, or autoimmune diseases.


Jumping to an adrenal fatigue label can distract from addressing the real root causes of these symptoms. The danger in that? You’re distracted by thinking you have an answer to your problems when the real issue could potentially be something that needs an actual health plan, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Not that that should be your first go-to, either. My point is that doctors who make diagnoses of fake diseases prevent the client from getting the real they may need.

 

The Risks of Quick Fixes

Many people diagnosed with adrenal fatigue are prescribed supplements, often made from animal glandular substances or hormone/hormone-like compounds. While these supplements can sometimes provide a short-term energy boost, they may disrupt your body’s natural balance or mask symptoms without addressing the underlying issues, as I mentioned above. Over time, this approach can make things worse.

 

Additionally, patients are often given vague dietary advice like "eat more protein" or "add healthy fats," which may not provide the specific direction needed to create real change. Without tackling the root causes, the cycle of fatigue and frustration continues.

 

Ask Yourself the Tough Questions

Instead of jumping to supplements or chasing trendy diagnoses, take a step back and ask yourself some honest questions:

  • Am I getting enough sleep?

  • Am I setting healthy boundaries and managing stress effectively?

  • Am I saying “yes” too much or taking on responsibilities that aren’t mine?

  • How’s my diet? Am I eating whole, nutritious foods and minimizing processed sugars?

  • Am I moving my body regularly and getting enough exercise?

 

Sometimes, the simplest answers are the most effective solutions for your health. Journaling your responses to these questions can provide clarity and help you identify areas of your life that need attention.

 

Sustainable Health for the Long Haul

The goal isn’t just to feel better temporarily but to build sustainable habits that support your long-term health. This means addressing the root causes of your fatigue and making intentional changes to your lifestyle. You can start with the basics: prioritize quality sleep, manage stress, eat an optimal diet, and create space for movement and joy in your life.

 

If you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. But go into those conversations armed with curiosity and a commitment to finding the root cause — not just a quick fix. Real healing does take time, but the results are worth it!

 

Final Thoughts

Adrenal fatigue might seem like an easy explanation for your symptoms, but it’s often a distraction from the bigger picture. By focusing on lifestyle factors and asking the right questions, you can uncover the real reasons behind your struggles and take steps toward lasting health. Remember, your health journey isn’t about following trends — it’s about building a foundation that truly supports your well-being.



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©2021 by Heather Bedard

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