ADRENAL BASICS
The adrenal glands produce many hormones which regulate the endocrine system (Pituitary Gland, Thyroid Glands, Parathyroid Glands, Thymus, Pancreas, Adrenal Glands, Gonads)
If the adrenal glands are not functioning well,
all of the endocrine system will function only on a low level which may result in related problems such as low thyroid, PMS, or diabetes.
The adrenal medulla (inner part) of the adrenal glands produces adrenaline a quick acting hormone which enables the body to cope stress especially in emergency situations: the body constantly produces and stores adrenaline
The adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland) regulates mineral metabolism (sodium, potassium, chloride), water balance, metabolism (utilization and distribution of carbohydrates, protein, and fat), allergic and immune reactions (such as hypersensitivity, allergies, and autoimmune diseases) and the production of male and female hormones; these hormones are not stored in the body
These three primary hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex:
Cortisol which regulates blood pressure, blood sugar and muscle strength;
Aldosterone which regulates sodium and fluid balance
DHEA (precursor hormone to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) which influences stamina and libido
Low Adrenal Function
Usually symptoms of low adrenal function occur slowly
and gradually worsen
Symptoms become evident when body under heavy stress
Normal- high cortisol peak in morning tapering off to low at about 3am
Cortisol should peak in the morning to get you going, declining slowly and steadily throughout the day to sustain energy, then dropping off in the evening to allow you to drift off to sleep. This optimal pattern signifies healthy adrenal function.
When the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally, you can have a condition that is known as adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion. Adrenal fatigue often develops after periods of intense or lengthy physical or emotional stress, when overstimulation if the glands leave them unable to meet your body's needs.
S1 - early symptoms of low adrenal
S2 - mid symptoms
S3 - later stages called Addison’s disease (adrenal glands cease to function) Some other names for the syndrome include non-Addison's hypoadrenia, sub-clinical hypoadrenia, hypoadrenalism, and neurasthenia.
Early stages of adrenal dysfunction
Cortisol levels are too high during the day and continue rising into the evening. (can be in this stage for years)
increased sensitivity to odor- predominantly on noxious odors such as petroleum fumes; tolerance of perfumes
dark circles under eyes
susceptibility to bruising
allergies & intolerances increase
Middle stages of adrenal exhaustion
cortisol output may rise and fall unevenly throughout the day as the body struggles for balance, but levels are abnormal and typically much too high at night.
Advanced stage of adrenal insufficiency
adrenals are exhausted from overwork, and cortisol never quite reach normal levels
Symptoms of Low Adrenal Function
BLOOD PRESSURE
S3 - low blood pressure and or pulse (or changes in blood pressure or pulse); 80/50 to 110/70 (normal 120/80)
S3 -heart muscles become weak (myocardial weakness), circulatory failure can occur); heart slows
S3 - decreased blood volume (hypovolemiia - elevated pulse, diminished blood pressure, skin pale or blue esp. lips and nail beds, dizzy, faint, nauseous, thirsty, can lead to shock)
poor circulation due to reduced cardiac (heart) output (caused by weak heart muscle and dehydration)
heart palpitations (fast hard beating) and chest pain
S2 to S3 - tachycardia (rapid beating of heart over 100 beats per min)
S1 - lightheaded or dizzy when stand quickly (orthostatic hypotension) or even when sitting; unsteady or stop movement but still standing
S2 - fainting (peripheral vascular collapse)
slowing of heart rhythm
S3 - small heart size
may have mitral valve murmur or prolapse
easily becomes tired, exhausted
shortness of breath
sudden fatigue and muscle weakness- low blood pressure causes the muscles to weaken from low blood supply
poor circulation
lethargic (sleepy, doppy, foggy) and weak
hemorrhoids (varicose veins of the rectum) and varicose veins of lower extremities caused by blood pooling i abdomen and pelvis
BLOOD SUGAR
S2 & S3 - shakiness
S3 - low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) ; may need frequent small meals to stabilize blood sugar
S1 - excessive craving for sweets, fats, and salty foods; black licorice
S3 - severe insulin sensitivity
insufficient carbohydrate formed from protein results in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diminished liver glycogen
(sugar stored in liver for energy)
lowered blood cortisol makes it difficult for liver to convert glycogen into glucose
fats, proteins and carbohydrates (the body’s reserve energy pools) can not be easily converted into glucose
during stress insulin levels are increased because of the higher energy demand of cells
insulin opens the cell wall membranes to take in more glucose to provide more energy to the cells
without adequate cortisol to facilitate the conversion of glycogen, fats and proteins (energy reserves) to new glucose supplies, the increased demand is impossible to meet and low blood sugar results (increased insulin and decreased cortisol)
may lead to addictions as an attempt to bring up blood sugar
DIGESTION
S2 - nausea & stomach problems; bloated stomach; gas, gas pains, cramping; indigestion
S3 - abdominal pain (may increase with exertion)
S2 & S3 - vomiting and diarrhea; gaging
S2 & S3 - irritable bowels or may move food too fast (hyperactive transit time) therefore malabsorption ; food exits stomach too fast causing poor enzymatic digestion
S1 - mild nausea, little appetite
S2 - inability to handle food high in potassium or carbohydrates unless combined with fats and protein
S2 - low levels of gastric hydrochloric acid
S3 - indigestion and poor absorption of nutrients - due to sluggish circulation in abdomen; poor carbohydrate, fat, and protein
metabolism therefore little energy
trouble digesting protein
S3 - malnourished due to inability to absorb micronutrients - often deficient in trace minerals necessary for electrolyte balance and tissue structure; anemia
S2 - tendency to constipation (slow digestion)
S3 - sores in intestines and stomach (gastrointestinal ulceration)
S1 - low metabolism ; gains weight easily even if don’t eat (also low thyroid)
S1 - women tend to put weight in lower half of body (pear shaped)
S2 - difficult to lose weight; may lose weight when they rest and recover
S3 - unexplained weight loss - decreased or loss of appetite
S3 - sudden weight loss; thin; can’t gain weight
EMOTIONAL
anxiety. nervous; tense; startle easily; worry, fearful; panic attacks
depression or apathy - caused from malnourishment
overriding fear - due to low energy and secondary copper toxicity
irritability
very serious; numb; may just stare and not blink
reduced tolerance for stress; difficult to cope
overwhelmed by daily tasks; difficulty functioning
decreased ability to handle stress
fluctuating mood
due to build of metals in body may have emotional problems: obsessive compulsive tendency; bipolar disorder, schizophrenia; emotional instability
nightmares
EYES and EARS
sunken around eyes
dark circles under eyes
fluid under the eye (result of low thyroid -hypothyroidism)
dry eyes
S1 & S2 - sensitivity to bright light
night blindness
long after image (ie. headlights)
S3 - dilated pupils, involuntary, abnormal eyelid movement
eye pain, blurry, hurts to focus
ringing in ears
chronic ear infections
FATIGUE
complains of fatigue or exhaustion (wired and tired); tense
awake exhausted - insomnia; sleep light; awake at 2-4 am; unrefreshing sleep
sleep best semi-reclining due to low blood pressure
need excessive amounts of sleep
tired in mornings - don’t really “wake up” til 10am
midday fatigue - sleepiness or clouded thinking from 2 to 4pm
burst of energy at 6pm
feel better after meals and in evening
sleepiness at 9 to 10pm
“second wind” at 11pm that last until 1am when finally go to sleep; insomnia
trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep (waking up middle of night)
generally low energy level in morning gradually rising, being highest late at night
S3 - slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
S3 - speech - slow and sluggish
S1 - chronic fatigue, low stamina and endurance (exertion producing profound fatigue)
S3 - response times slow down
IMMUNE SYSTEM
adequate cortisol balances and keeps the immune response from responding excessively: examples of excessive response - allergies and sensitivities
diminished resistance to infections; recurrent, severe illness;
esp, respiratory infections
frequent sore throats
ability to handle trauma and other stress is diminished
allergies - increased allergies (new ones); hay fever; more stuffy
unable to counter production of histamine and therefore tissues become inflamed; which causes pain throughout body
S3 - lower white blood cell levels; (leukopenia)
chemical sensitivities
wounds do not hear quickly or well
slow recovery from illness
chronic infections
Asthma, bronchitis or chronic cough
lymph glands swollen and tender (esp in neck)
atrophy of lymph system which lowers the body’s immune mechanisms
autoimmune problems
may be sensitive to medications and supplements etc.
and need small doses of medications
MENTAL
poor memory and memory retrieval; episodes of amnesia
decreased clarity of thought; easily confused; difficulty paying attention
hallucinations
headaches; migraines; constant headache
neuralgia (nerve pain) esp in neck and head
MUSCLES
S1 & S2 back pain
S2 abdomen tighten and cramp when move
S3 - extreme pain in the stomach, lower back and lower limbs (crisis)
flank pain - pain on side of body -between last rib and the hip
Pain with pressure on mid-back (over adrenal glands)
joint and muscle pain and aches caused by inflammation
muscle aches (esp in shoulders and back)
nerve pain - neuralgia esp. in neck
carpal tunnel
fibromyalgia
discomfort when standing; walking easier
lax ligaments (connective tissue); may be exceptionally flexible
may have flat feet, or be double jointed;
joint strains/sprains are common
Instability of joints leading to pain - low back pain, knee pain, feet and ankles, calves
uncontrollable restlessness; muscle cramping, spasms, jumpy legs; muscles cramp easily; esp shoulders
shaky
stiff- difficult to more
poor coordination
chest tight and pain
muscle weakness- related to insufficient carbohydrate and deficient neuromuscular function (muscles under voluntary control; ie incontinence (lack good bladder of bowel control); weakness may be sudden and severe (unable to lift feet and arms, blink, legs won’t hold weight)
numbness and tingling in hands and feet (low thyroid)
S2 - sensitivity to noise- startle easily
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
S2 & S3 - PMS
skipping or stopping of menstrual cycle; can stop having periods
difficult menopause (due to adrenals inability to increase their production of estrogen to help compensate for the loss of estrogen from the ovaries); hot flashes
low libido
can lose pubic and underarm hair
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
body is unable to respond to adrenaline because needs more cortisol - (normal response is for bronchi to become relaxed so air can reach lungs and mucus production is inhibited)
without enough cortisol there will be bronchoconstriction
(constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.) Bronchoconstriction can also be due to an accumulation of thick mucus. and swelling of mucous membranes which make it hard to breathe
Asthma, bronchitis or chronic cough
rapid respiratory rate (tachypnea)
S1 - frequent sighing
SKIN
skin rashes or lesions (injury, patches or damage) on the feet and hands; sores on the inside of the mouth
S2 - excessive pigmentation of skin and mucous membranes esp in creases (eyelids, inside knees and elbows) - darkening (blueish black around nipples, lips, mouth, rectum, scrotum, or vagina) or tanning beyond normal; may be pinkish or tan even where skin not exposed to light; increase in moles and freckles
S3 - Vitiligo (white spots or patches) uneven pigmentation
skin excessively dry (have little oil or sweating); scaly and thin
hair - straight; sparse on body, abundant on head; may be dull and dry
nails - thin, brittle
smooth finger-prints (flat/shiny); may have longitudinal wrinkles over finger pads (probable cause is low collagen level)
red palms or fingertips
pale or flushed color to skin
TEMPERATURE
S3 - subnormal body temperature -tends to have low body temperature around 97.8 or lower (can be high if have virus or infection)
fluctuating temperature - average of three daily readings changes from day to day (normal is to be consistent average temperature)
S1 & S2 - excessive sweating on the face and or hands
S3 - poor sweating
S2 - pallor and cold sweat; high fever, shaking chills
S2 - intolerance to cold (may have hypothyroidism) (have low blood pressure and poor circulation)
poor regulation of body temperature ; thermoregulation; (hot when warm; cold when cool)
S3 - temperature drops after exercise
cold hands and feet(clammy); may turn blue
heat intolerance - esp. with high humidity and low pressure
WATER AND MINERAL BALANCE
S2 - usually mildly dehydrated
S3 - dehydration - unable to concentrate urine which results in dehydration
S1 - dry mouth
S3 - kidney (renal failure) shutdown; (Anuria- inability to produce urine
S2 & S3- water retention and puffiness
S3 - swelling due to electrolytes unbalanced; esp of feet and legs, fingers
S3 - low electrolyte levels (hypochloremia); high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); crave salt to rebalance and avoid dehydration (must have more than normal salt in diet or will die)
S2 & S3 - excessive thirst and urination
ADRENAL CRISIS
Addison’s disease- at least 90% of adrenals destroyed
Occurs when adrenal glands are no longer capable of producing enough cortisol to deal with stress (accident, virus, pregnancy, heat, cold, burns, muscular fatigue, infections, nervous strain such as pressures, discord, change, shock, surgery, fear and worry, allergic reactions, menopause, lack of sleep, injury, chronic pain, hypoglycemia, noise, severe stress, starvation or dieting, over work, emotional stress, etc)
If low may appear well but with trauma, surgery, illness, infections, dehydration, emotional stresses etc. symptoms will appear
Life-threatening state
Caused by insufficient cortisol; treated with cortisol tablets or shots
*warning symptoms
*fever (if infection), chills, painfully cold (esp. feet); sweating
*mild nausea. loss of appetite
*dizziness; orthostatic hypotension (dizzy when stand up)
*headache
*joint aches
* low blood sugar (shakiness, wobbliness, irritability, faintness, hunger, brain fog)
* confusion
* mild diarrhea
* muscle cramps (esp. in back and neck)
* extreme weakness, loss of muscle strength, energy
* fatigue, drowsiness (asthenia); trouble staying awake
* skin turns pink or tan
* low fasting blood sugar
* feeling restless, confused, or fearful
If given adequate cortisol medication, rest, extra salt, frequent small well balanced nutritious meals, and relaxation, usually a person can avert a full crisis and possible death from shock.
Advanced symptoms (Addison’s Crisis or Adrenal Collapse)
✓ body temperature low; VERY cold; feet and lower legs feel like in ice water; lips cold and blue; pale
✓ severe nausea
✓ vomiting and/or diarrhea
✓ vertigo- severe dizziness
✓ very low blood pressure (shock- peripheral vascular collapse)
✓ severe pain in the abdomen, lower back, or legs
✓ unable to move or even speak- slurred speech
✓ loss of consciousness from acute hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
✓ renal shutdown (nitrogenous waste build up in blood stream)
✓ severe dehydration ( unable maintain salt and potassium balance)
✓ shock- circulatory collapse; death
Cancer and heart disease, and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can be end-stage results of toxic accumulation and energy depletion (low adrenal function).