Adrenal Dysfunction Therapy

Adrenal Dysfunction Therapy for Women

Chronic stress is a modern-day fact of life—an unfortunate one at that. The truth is that few things pose more risks to your health and wellbeing than stress. This is particularly true as we age.

Facts About Adrenal Dysfunction in women

1. Stress causes the adrenal glands to produce too much of a hormone called cortisol.
2. Chronically elevated cortisol is toxic to the body and can eventually cause adrenal fatigue.
3. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands can no longer produce the smaller amounts of cortisol needed for the body to function properly on a day-to-day basis.
4. Some medical professionals prescribe synthetic cortisol to treat adrenal fatigue. Our experience is that this approach does more harm than good.
5. When other hormones are out of balance, the adrenal glands will work hard to compensate.

Method of Treatment

We don’t look upon cortisol as being a hormone that should be replaced (usually). Rather, treatment for adrenal fatigue includes strategies that support the adrenal glands, so they can recover and regain normal function.

Here’s our approach:

1. We check cortisol levels via lab testing. Cortisol is tested by saliva at four specific points during the day. From this test, our physicians can determine whether your cortisol production is too high, too low, or normal. The protocol for treating cortisol that is too high or low is the same.
2. We test other hormone levels, and our physicians provide treatment as necessary if other hormones are imbalanced. Because the adrenal glands work hard to compensate for imbalances elsewhere in the endocrine system, this alone goes a long way toward giving the adrenal glands the break they need.
3. We lab test for key nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and ferritin. Addressing deficiencies in these nutrients is also supportive of the adrenal glands.
4. Our physicians recommend a regimen of supplements that help to rejuvenate the adrenal glands. Injectable nutrients can be included as needed.
5. If appropriate, our physicians may recommend a detoxification program.
6. It’s important that people with adrenal fatigue get adequate sleep. Sleep quality is evaluated, and strategies are implemented to address any issues with insomnia.
7. We provide strategies for managing stress and for maintaining healthy lifestyle habits overall.

Too much cortisol is harmful; so is not having enough. People under chronic stress can wind up suffering the negative consequences of both. Our hope is that knowing there are solutions eases your mind a bit. Adrenal dysfunction is common, but it can be addressed. At Renew Youth, we know how.