Adrenal fatigue is a process during which the body releases cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate sugars and fats, and some studies have shown that adrenal fatigue and cortisol play a role in a vicious cycle of weight gain.
If your hormones are imbalanced, then it can start to cause a number of issues. One of these issues is unexpected weight gain. Studies have shown that hormonal imbalance and adrenal fatigue can be to blame for unexplained weight gain.
Proper thyroid function helps to maintain a healthy metabolism, but both high and low cortisol levels can impair the conversion of thyroid hormone from its inactive form to its active from. This can result in a low thyroid situation, causing weight gain and symptoms of poor metabolism.
That's mostly because serious medical conditions that affect the adrenal glands, including Addison's disease and pituitary tumors, don't cause symptoms that look like so-called adrenal fatigue. For example, with these conditions you lose weight instead of gaining it like adrenal fatigue proponents claim.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland doesn't make enough of the hormone ACTH. The adrenal glands then don't make enough cortisol. Mild symptoms may be seen only when a person is under physical stress. Other symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.
Typically, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis recovers after cessation of glucocorticoids, but the timing of recovery can be variable and can take anywhere from 6–12 months.
Focus on a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources, with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. You may also need to increase your salt intake. Avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fat and limit or avoid processed meats, refined grains, soft drinks, and fried foods.
For instance, in the morning, normal cortisol levels range from around 10 to 20 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). Toward evening these levels can drop to around 3 to 10 mcg/dL. Levels that are lower than this may call for further investigation.
The short corticotropin test (also called the adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation test) administered with a 250 μg dose is considered the gold standard test to confirm a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI).
Adrenal belly fat appears as a “ponch” right below the natural waist. It's often referred to as a “spare tire” or a “muffin top.” Even if you feel like you're doing everything right: you're exercising, you're making healthy food choices, etc.
Affected individuals may have a poor appetite and unintentional weight loss and may develop progressive fatigue and muscle weakness. Muscle pain (myalgia), muscle spasms and joint pain may also occur. Dehydration can also affect individuals with Addison's disease.
The thyroid gland creates thyroid hormone that keeps the body running. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough of these hormones. As a result, your metabolism slows, leading to weight gain and fatigue.
Adrenal insufficiency can be confirmed or ruled out with blood tests. Although there's no cure, primary adrenal insufficiency can be managed effectively by taking cortisol and aldosterone replacement hormones, with the goal of stabilizing hormone levels and relieving signs and symptoms.
This means that Adrenal Fatigue sufferers effectively lose the ability to balance the levels of minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium in their blood. In turn, this leads to cravings for foods which will replace the sodium that we have lost.
Cortisol Can Lead to Weight Gain
Cortisol stimulates your fat and carbohydrate metabolism, creating a surge of energy in your body. While this process is essential for survival situations, it also increases your appetite. Additionally, elevated cortisol levels can cause cravings for sweet, fatty and salty foods.
Corticosteroid medication is used to replace the hormones cortisol and aldosterone that your body no longer produces. It's usually taken in tablet form two or three times a day. In most cases, a medication called hydrocortisone is used to replace the cortisol.
Hormone replacement therapy corrects the levels of steroid hormones the body isn't making enough of. Some treatments include oral corticosteroids such as: Hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone (Rayos) or methylprednisolone (Medrol) to replace cortisol.
Cortisol is replaced with a corticosteroid, most often hydrocortisone link, which you take two or three times a day by mouth. Less often, doctors prescribe prednisone link or dexamethasone link.
ACTH Stimulation Test This is the most specific test for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency. Blood cortisol levels are measured before and after a synthetic form of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), a hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary, is given by injection.
This condition occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 50, 2 although it can occur at any age, even in children. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs in people with certain conditions that affect the pituitary.
Specifically, vitamins such as magnesium, B and C can help prevent adrenal fatigue. Magnesium aids in calming and supporting the nervous system, improving your quality of sleep, reducing stress levels, and boosting energy production.
The suggested treatments for healthy adrenal function are a diet low in sugar, caffeine, and junk food, and “targeted nutritional supplementation” that includes vitamins and minerals: Vitamins B5, B6, and B12. Vitamin C. Magnesium.
There is currently no cure for adrenal insufficiency, but treatments can help people manage the symptoms. These options depend on the symptoms and severity of the condition. Doctors will also consider a person's age and general health when determining the right treatment.