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Our lives today are full of stressful situations. In work, in school, and even at home, we experience stress. It’s only normal to feel stress but when it becomes excessive to the point that you can no longer function normally in society, this is where the problem begins. Although it may not be a widely acknowledged medical diagnosis, adrenal fatigue is a very serious stress-related disorder.

First of all, you need to know about the adrenal gland. These are basically tissues in your body located just above the kidneys which are responsible for discharging hormones in our body that regulates our main physiological processes. It maintains blood pressure, regulates the fluid balance in our body, controls blood sugar levels, and it is also responsible for other central metabolic functions.

One of the hormones released by the adrenal glands is the cortisol. This particular hormone deals with long term related stress problems and when these glands fail to manage the fight or flight arousal or does not release adequate quantities of hormones to make us feel good, then you will be suffering from what is called adrenal fatigue.

You have to know about the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue in order for you to start treating it.

One of the common symptoms is extreme exhaustion. If you feel extremely tired for no reason at all or you feel tired beyond your “normal day tiredness”, then you have to keep in mind that this is a sure sign that your adrenal glands are affected. You will also suffer from sudden weight gain. You also need to watch out for gaining weight mainly around the middle portion of your body and that you have difficulty losing it.

Other symptoms of adrenal fatigue includes finding it difficult to get up in the morning and being hooked in to taking stimulants, such as coffee or tea as well as energy drinks. Suffering from this condition will also take longer for your body to recover during sickness. You will also suffer from nervousness, irritability, moodiness, disturbed sleep patterns, and even digestive problems and body aches.

So, what causes adrenal fatigue?

Basically, the main cause of the adrenal gland to weaken is that we experience continued stress. It can also be caused by poor nutrition and extreme negative emotions, such as fear, anger, anxiety, worry, depression, and guilt. Overworking, excessive physical and mental strain as well as over exercise and depriving yourself of sleep can cause your adrenal glands to weaken.

Obviously, the first thing that you need to do in order for you to treat adrenal fatigue is by first strengthening the glands. Try to eat on time, and eat the right kinds of food. You also have to start exercising and give your body enough rest by sleeping on time and getting enough sleep.

You can also add in food supplements to provide your body with the right amount of nutrition as this can help relieve you from this illness.

These are the causes and symptoms of adrenal fatigue. By changing to a healthier lifestyle, you will be able to prevent or at least treat adrenal fatigue effectively. Through these tips, you can be sure that you can deal with adrenal fatigue effectively.

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These days, our lives are filled with a lot of stress and strain. We work so hard in order to get that big fat raise or that promotion at work or to get high grades in school in order us to become successful. The problem is that our health is becoming the trade-off for this success that we all want so much.

Thanks to the stress and strain that we experience in our daily lives, there are a lot of people today who are suffering from a type of stress-related disorder called adrenal fatigue.

Basically, adrenal fatigue affects the adrenal glands in our body as the name suggests. You need to keep in mind that the adrenal glands produce hormones that are responsible to regulate the physiological processes in our body. It basically maintains our blood pressure, blood sugar levels, body fluid balance, and it also regulates other central metabolic functions in our body.

If you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, the productions of hormones that make us feel good will also be affected. One of the hormones that will be affected would be the cortisol. You need to keep in mind that cortisol is essential in our body as this deals with long term related stress problems. If your body fails to produce this fight or flight hormones, then you will eventually suffer from adrenal fatigue.

People with adrenal fatigue experience extreme exhaustion. You will feel so tired beyond your normal day to day tiredness and this is a sign that you are suffering from adrenal fatigue. Even after long rest periods, you will still feel exhausted and feel as if you cannot perform your normal day to day activities.

Suffering from adrenal fatigue will also cause your body to recover slower than usual from sickness. Some people who suffers from adrenal fatigue relies on stimulants such as energy drinks and coffee in order to perk them up or to give them the energy they need in order to function normally at work as well as at home.

Another symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue is the difficulty in getting up in the morning. It is also associated with other symptoms, such as nervousness, irritability, disturbed sleep patterns, as well as digestive problems and body aches.

One major cause of adrenal fatigue is poor nutrition. A lot of people nowadays suffer from adrenal fatigue because they tend to eat foods that are not considered good food and are incomplete when it comes to your daily nutritional needs. Stress is another major cause of adrenal fatigue as this will disrupt the production of hormones in your body, which results in overworking your adrenal glands.

To treat adrenal fatigue, you can simply take dietary supplements to ensure that you can provide your body with the proper nutrients it needs in order to function normally, which includes your adrenal glands. You should also start exercising and get enough rest. By doing these things, you will reduce stress and give you more energy to function normally in society.

The best key to treating adrenal fatigue is by living a healthy life. This means you have to eat the right food, exercise, and give your body enough rest.

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Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck secretes excess thyroid hormones which in turn results in speeding up of the metabolism of the body. This disease is quite common in women as compared to men and usually affects the person at the age of 20-40. This disease clutches the human being under the extreme condition of stress or when a woman is pregnant. Some of its common signs are palpitations, increased heart rate, moist skin, shakiness, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, swollen and bulging eyes, short breath and thickening of the skin. Hypothyroidism is the grievous outcome of the mal functioning of the thyroid gland.

There are numerous causes of hypothyroidism like complications in thyroid gland, autoimmune disorders and distressed brain activities. The most common cause of this disease is Hashiloto’s thyroiditis which is characterized by the reddened thyroid gland that at times leads to damaging of the thyroid cells. If an individual is frequently exposed to medications which involves the use of radioactive iodine, surgery and lithium then the chances of an individual been prone to hypothyroidism is quite high. Lithium is like a poison for the thyroid gland as it makes the gland underactive which is at times used for treating depression. If an individual has ever been treated with radioactive iodine can fall under the threat of hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine hampers bulging of goiter which diminishes the secretion of hormones. If more than desired cells are affected by this therapy the chances of an individual to be affected by hypothyroidism multiplies manifold times.

Another reason due to which an individual may fall under the threat of this disease is surgery in past of the patient. If an individual has been operated for treating the thyroid gland or cancer then the chances of an individual falling under the threat is quite high as the thyroid gland that has been removed during a surgery then the insufficient production of hormones may lead to this ailment. Hypothyroidism can also be caused due to disorder of Hypothalamic-pituitary, though the thyroid gland works efficiently as pituitary gland is the master gland. When Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which monitors the release of thyroid hormones or T4 secreted by pituitary gland is less in number triggers hypothyroidism. Many a times the underdevelopment of thyroid gland is due to heredity and this accounts for congenital hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the outcome of the inefficient immune system which causes the wastage of thyroid cells which leads to hypothyroidism.

It is almost impossible to detect this ailment as it cannot be detected in a normal blood test; the doctors have to diagnose this disease by judging the symptoms. Sensitive blood tests needs to be done so as to know the intensity of the disease.

Hypothyroidism can easily be combat by the intake of proper and healthy diet which is rich in various nutrients. The diet must include seafood, radish, beetroot, bananas and oatmeal, whereas cabbage, sweet potatoes, broccoli, maize, soya, parsely, sodium chloride, fats, red meat, sugars and egg should be avoided. Iodine is the best way to fight this deadly ailment. Also, there are few herbs which are quite beneficial in overcoming the problem of hypothyroidism.

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Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from deficiency of thyroid hormone. It usually is a primary process in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. It can also be secondary, that is lack of thyroid hormone secretion due to the failure of either adequate thyrotropin (ie, thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) secretion from the pituitary gland or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus (secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you do have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle. They are not specific (which means they can mimic the symptoms of many other conditions) and are often attributed to aging. Patients with mild hypothyroidism may have no signs or symptoms. The symptoms generally become more obvious as the condition worsens and the majority of these complaints are related to a metabolic slowing of the body.

Hypothyroidism Causes

Many permanent or temporary conditions can reduce thyroid hormone secretion and cause hypothyroidism. About 95% of hypothyroidism cases occur from problems that originate in the thyroid gland. In such cases, the disorder is called primary hypothyroidism. (Secondary hypothyroidism is caused by disorders of the pituitary gland. Tertiary hypothyroidism is caused by disorders of the hypothalamus.)

Thyroid surgery. Part or all of the thyroid gland may be removed to treat disorders such as having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) that makes swallowing difficult, thyroid cancer, or thyroid nodules that may be overactive or cancerous. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland is removed or when remaining thyroid tissue does not function properly.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism.

Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the immune or protective mechanisms of the body mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. When the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, it damages part of the gland in such a way that it can no longer produce thyroid hormone.

Diagnostic testing

To diagnose primary hypothyroidism, many doctors simply measure the amount of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) being produced by the pituitary gland. High levels of TSH indicate that the thyroid is not producing sufficient levels of Thyroid hormone (mainly as thyroxine (T4) and smaller amounts of triiodothyronine (T3)). However, measuring just TSH fails to diagnose secondary and tertiary forms of hypothyroidism, thus leading to the following suggested blood testing if the TSH is normal and hypothyroidism is still suspected:

Hypothyroidism Treatment

The purpose of treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. The lowest dose effective in relieving symptoms and normalizing the TSH is used. Life-long therapy is needed. Medication must be continued even when symptoms subside. Thyroid hormone levels should be monitored yearly after a stable dose of medication is determined.

Doctors usually prescribe thyroid hormone pills to treat hypothyroidism. Most people start to feel better within a week or two. Your symptoms will probably go away within a few months. But you will likely need to keep taking the pills for the rest of your life.

It’s important to take your medicine just the way your doctor tells you to. You will also need to see your doctor for follow-up visits to make sure you have the right dose. Getting too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause problems.

 

Adrenal fatigue is a label applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. The term often shows up in popular health books and on alternative medicine Web sites, but it isn’t an accepted medical diagnosis.

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

As mentioned earlier, sugar and refined carbohydrates are the main cause of adrenal fatigue. Sugar includes honey, maple syrup, fructose, dried fruit, fruit juice and just about anything that is sweet. Refined carbohydrates are grains that have been ground up or have had the bran removed. This include products like bread even whole wheat bread, noodles, corn chips, white rice and pretty much anything that comes in a package. Refined foods are broken down by grinding and concentration.

Proponents of the adrenal fatigue diagnosis claim this is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress. The unproven theory behind adrenal fatigue is that your adrenal glands are unable to keep pace with the demands of perpetual fight-or-flight arousal. As a result, they can’t produce quite enough of the hormones you need to feel good.

Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

People with adrenal fatigue experience extreme physical exhaustion and they don’t have an explanation as to why (such as a strenuous workout). This isn’t just everyday tiredness it is extreme exhaustion.

You Gain Weight Easily – Especially Around the Middle

People with adrenal fatigue often notice they gain weight very easily. They especially notice the extra weight around the middle – and it’s very hard to lose it.

You Have Difficulty Rising In The Morning

Those with adrenal fatigue often find they feel tired when getting up in the morning – even with a full night’s sleep. They often need stimulants like caffeine and sugar to ‘get going’ both in the morning and throughout the day.

Physically – The physical symptoms of adrenal fatigue are exhaustion not relieved by rest, food cravings, lethargy and longer recovery times for illnesses. Healing begins by strengthening our body especially the adrenal glands. Build yourself back up physically with healthy eating, vitamin and minerals supplements (especially vitamin C, B complex and fish oil), rest and relaxation, light exercise, DHEA and adrenal glandular supplementation.

Emotionally – Loss of self esteem, depression and denial are the emotional signs of adrenal exhaustion. Building self-esteem, relieving depression and dealing with buried negative emotions can revive your positive feelings.

Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that produces a calming effect in the brain. It works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is a relaxer and creates a sense of well-being. L-theanine may be taken to help modulate mood and relieve stress in many health conditions (Abe et al. 1995; Kobayashi et al. 1998; Juneja et al. 1999).

Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) works by blocking the breakdown of hydrocortisone in the liver. the hydrocortisone level then becomes higher, and this slows down the production of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) from the pituitary gland, giving the adrenals a much-needed rest. Licorice is a highly prized medicinal in Chinese medicine. Glycyrrhiza may be taken in a variety of ways, including as a tea. Licorice can the be tapered off when adrenal gland function is restored.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroxine. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are very subtle and are experienced by people without thyroid disease. Thus, a lot of physicians overlook the symptoms of fatigue, weight gain and depression and attribute them to other causes. It is a relatively common disease in purebred domestic dogs as well, and can have a hereditary basis in dogs. The risk of developing hypothyroidism tends to increase with age; older women have the highest risk. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism in human beings, the most common being Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease) and radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck just below the larynx, secretes hormones that control metabolism. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body. Women, especially those older than 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men are. In rare cases, hypothyroidism occurs in infants and children.

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is under active, with too little of the thyroid hormones being released. The thyroid is situated just below your “Adams apple” or larynx. The severity of hypothyroidism varies widely. Patients are classified as “subclinical hypothyroid” if diagnostic findings show thyroid hormone abnormalities, but they do not exhibit any symptoms. Others have moderate symptoms that can be mistaken for other diseases and states. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which account for 99.9% and 0.1% of thyroid hormones present in the blood respectively. Untreated hypothyroidism in infants can cause brain damage, leading to mental retardation and developmental delays. Every state in the United States tests newborns for hypothyroidism. The hypothalamus is a brain structure that normally signals the pituitary gland to make thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which causes the thyroid to make thyroid hormones. Some medical problems can affect either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, and interrupt the chain of signals from the brain to the thyroid. Decreased thyroid hormone effect can cause increased levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and a possible change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In addition, hypothyroidism may result in an increase in insulin resistance.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The common causes and risk factor’s of Hypothyroidism include the following:

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a disease of the thyroid gland where the body’s immune system attacks the gland.

Lymphocytic Thyroiditis After Hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Destruction (from radioactive iodine or surgery).

External beam radiation, which is used to treat some cancers, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This radiation treatment can destroy the thyroid gland.

An operation to remove part of the thyroid gland (usually for thyrotoxicosis ), often years earlier.

Radioactive iodine treatment for thyrotoxicosis.

Drugs such as amiodarone, interferon alpha, thalidomide, and stavudine have also been associated with primary hypothyroidism.

Use of radioactive iodine for treatment of Graves disease generally results in permanent hypothyroidism within one year of therapy. The frequency is much lower in patients with toxic nodular goiters and those with autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Some sign and symptoms related to Hypothyroidism are as follows:

A puffy face.

Tendency to feel cold.

Joint or muscle pain.

Hoarse voice.

An elevated blood cholesterol level.

Fatigue.

Feeling sluggish and tired.

Weakness.

Choking sensation or difficulty swallowing.

Goiter (enlarged thyroid causing a lump in the neck).

Coarseness or loss of hair.

Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Here is list of the methods for treating Hypothyroidism:

If you have coronary artery disease or severe hypothyroidism, your doctor may start treatment with a smaller amount of medication and gradually increase the dosage.

Hypothyroidism is treated with replacement doses of thyroid hormones. Synthetic forms of these hormones are used, including levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl and other brand names), liothyronine (Cytomel) or liotrix (Thyrolar).

It is treated by replacing the amount of hormone that your own thyroid can no longer make, to bring your T4 and TSH back to normal levels.

The average dose of T4 replacement in adults is approximately 1.6 micrograms per kilogram per day.

Progressive hormone replacement allows your heart to adjust to the increase in metabolism.

Supportive therapy (oxygen, assisted ventilation, fluid replacement) and intensive-care nursing may be indicated.

Permanently decreased metabolism requires lifelong treatment with thyroxine tablets.