WHAT MAKES US FEEL TIRED?

Tiredness is prevalent in an epidemic proportion. It is affecting all sections of society and is not gender specific. Most of the doctors are not able to tell why we feel tired since the routine testing reads normal. It is a proven fact that stress is a huge factor in making us tired and adrenal glands play a pivotal role in the process of stress handling. If stress is chronic it can exhaust the adrenal glands, leading to what is called Adrenal Fatigue.                                
 

ROLE OF ADRENAL GLANDS: 

Sitting on top of each kidney on either side in our body, these grape-sized glands produce more than 100 hormones which have widespread regulatory effects in our body.

One group of hormones produced by the adrenals is called GLUCOCORTICOIDS (cortisone). They regulate our blood sugar and supply energy to cope with stress. Another group of hormones called MINERALOCORTICOIDS (aldosterone) affect our electrolytes, especially sodium, which regulates the blood pressure. A third group of hormones called SEXOCORTICOIDS (progesterone, DHEA) are responsible for the production of sex hormones and maintaining reproductive health. All these hormones are produced from a parent substance called CHOLESTEROL. Black arrows in the diagram below show how cholesterol converts into different hormones in a healthy state. In a body’s normal state  there is a balance and harmony in their production. Stress upsets this delicate balance (shown in red arrows below).  Cortisol production takes preference at the expense of DHEA, progesterone and aldosterone. The adrenals have to work hard to maintain a running supply of energy to cope with this stress.  If the stress is chronic, the adrenals get tired and cannot comply with the ongoing demands. This is the time when Adrenal Fatigue sets in and the person feels very tired. If stress persists, the adrenals totally crash down. The reversal or recovery process at this stage may be extremely difficult. Therefore it is important that we identify and treat the problem at an early stage.

ADRENAL  HORMONES  IN  STRESS: 

In the diagram on the following page, the red arrows indicate the preferential route of hormone formation during stress. Overall, there is a high production of cortisol.  DHEA, progesterone and aldosterone are reduced. DHEA is the precursor substance for sex hormones. A decrease in DHEA leads to a decrease in the sex hormones which cause loss of libido, decreased stamina and depression. Low aldostreone causes loss of sodium from the kidneys, resulting in low blood pressure, salt cravings and electrolyte disturbances.

EFFECTS OF HIGH CORTISOL:

Increased cortisol affects the physiology of many systems in our body:

1.  Resistant- to-Treatment Thyroid Deficiency:  Cortisol increases the amount of  rT3 (reverse T3). Our thyroid gland normally produces T4 hormone which is an inactive form of hormone. T4 converts into T3 and a very small amount of  rT3, which is inactive. A blood sample done for T3 does not differentiate between T3 and rT3, so a normal level of T3 may not be an accurate result for therapy purposes. A high amount of  rT3 can cause thyroid treatment failures.  rT3 occupies the T3 receptor,  leaving no room for activeT3 to bind and exert its action. A blood test done for thyroid function will be normal. Therefore, your physician may not suggest any treatment for your low thyroid function. Such cases are complex and resistant to treatment and require special tests for proper diagnosis, and special treatment plans to eliminate the rT3 dominance. If you feel tired, sleepy and cold and are gaining weight, then ask for thyroid functions to be done.
2.  Blood Sugar: A high cortisol level can cause poor sugar control and insulin resistance leading to Diabetes Mellitus.
3. Immune Functions: A high cortisol level can exhaust the immune system.
4. Osteoporosis: High cortisol can demineralise bones and lead to osteoporosis.
5. Cortisol constricts mid-size arteries which determine our blood pressure. High cortisol causes high blood pressure. People with low cortisol (as in advanced stages of adrenal fatigue) and low aldosterone have low blood pressure.

Diagonosis And Treatment:

Adrenal fatigue can be reversed. The recovery time may be slower in late stages. There is a complete toolbox of natural compounds available for adrenal recovery. A systematic and comprehensive approach is necessary to avoid over- or under- treating the problem.
In our clinic we follow a systematic approach which is based on:  1) diagnostic tests,  2) interpretation of the tests and  3) formulation of a treatment plan according to your results.
The diagnostic tests may include blood and saliva tests for your adrenal hormonal panel, female /male hormonal panel, thyroid tests and other tests to rule out other causes of tiredness.
The treatment plan may include intravenous protocols, replacement therapy and oral supplements.

- by Amtul Q Farhat