Q: What is adrenal fatigue and how is it tested?
A: Many people today suffer from the adrenal glands' inability to respond to stress. This condition stems from various factors including chronic stress, sleep deprivation, excess caffeine and carbohydrates, chronic pain, extreme exercise, and a generally unbalanced lifestyle. Also known as adrenal insufficiency, the problem shows up with a set of symptoms ranging from chronic fatigue to infertility. Those with a hectic lifestyle are potentially at risk, but the problem is more prevalent among medical professionals, police officers, executives, teachers, single working parents, or anyone who has a very stressful lifestyle.
Adrenal fatigue is tested by measuring cortisol, a key stress response hormone. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands 24 hours a day, although output varies at different times throughout the day. Cortisol output is highest upon waking to energize us for the day ahead and declines steadily throughout the day, reaching its lowest point at night in preparation for sleep. Individuals with adrenal fatigue have a flattened cortisol profile. This means that there is no morning surge of the hormone. Cortisol can be collected once in the morning or twice a day (morning and bedtime). It may be necessary to measure cortisol four times a day if levels are out of range and symptoms indicate the need to test adrenal function throughout the day. For more information, call ZRT Laboratory 24-hour Hormone Hotline at 503-466-9166 and listen to Track 636.
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