Adrenal Dysfunction 101

Posted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on Aug 30, 2011
  • Do you have a hard time falling asleep at night?
  • Do you wake up frequently during the night?
  • Do you have a hard time waking up in the morning early or feeling refreshed?
  • Do you get an afternoon slump, only to perk up around 6 or 7pm, and then get a second wind around 9:30?
  • Are you lacking in energy?
  • Do you feel tired yet wired?
  • Do bright lights bother you more than they should?
  • Do you startle easily due to noise?
  • When standing from sitting or from lying down, do you feel lightheaded or dizzy?
  • Do you take things too seriously, and are you easily defensive?
  • Do you feel you don’t cope well with certain people or events in your life?
  • Are you moody or do you have excessive emotions?
  • Are you prone to yelling or screaming?
  • Are you irritable and accusatory?
  • Do you have sharp verbal responses?
  • Do you have excessive sensitivity to others’ suffering?
  • Do you sigh frequently or have “air hunger?”
  • Do you crave fat and salt?
  • Do you have a hard time handling foods high in potassium or carbohydrates unless they’re combined with fats and protein?
  • Do you have an autoimmune condition, especially Hashimoto’s (autoimmune hypothyroidism)? Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and adrenal issues often go hand in hand.)

[My best selling cookbook is now available: The Essential Thyroid Cookbook: Over 100 Nourishing Recipes for Thriving with Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.]

Adrenal fatigue is a hormonal disruption due to chronic stress and the overproduction of stress hormones. It’s sometimes called non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, which is not a widely accepted diagnosis in the world of conventional medicine. Adrenal fatigue is not Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the adrenal glands completely fail. It’s a milder syndrome where the adrenals get bogged down and can’t keep up with the demands we place on ourselves.

Most doctors tend to think in black and white and adrenal fatigue is one of those gray areas - either you have Addison’s or you don’t. But an emerging group of functional medicine practitioners is currently doing an amazing job of raising awareness about this epidemic that is estimated to affect 80% of the population to some degree. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, “We in Western medicine don’t know how to recognize a problem until it has manifested as a ‘disease.’ It’s a lot like brake pads - until brake pads have worn down completely, you don’t know that they are wearing down.”

If you’re in the initial stages of adrenal fatigue, where you’re overproducing stress hormones, and then stress continues unaddressed, your body will enter a second phase of adrenal fatigue, where the adrenals simply get exhausted. They can’t maintain cortisol and adrenaline production and people have a really difficult time coping with the simplest of life’s demands.

To the body, stress is stress. It doesn’t matter if your stress is from being chased by a bear or a deadline at work. And in today’s culture, we are subjected to ‘round-the-clock stressors, unlike our ancestors, who had periods of stress from hunting and foraging for food, for example, followed by long periods of relaxation.

Tiny and Mighty
The adrenals are two small glands that sit atop the kidneys. They are responsible for releasing calculated and small amounts of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, that trigger the fight or flight response that helps us deal with life-threatening situations. Because so many of us are living our lives in a stressed-out emergency state, we’re now releasing stress hormones relentlessly.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a stress monger, modern, everyday life, with all of its traffic jams, deadlines, economic stress, overconsumption of caffeine and sugar, being constantly plugged in and on the go, and never-ending negative media chatter can lead to an overproduction of stress hormones. So yes, there is a spectrum of adrenal fatigue that can run from mild adrenal fatigue to total adrenal exhaustion.

As if the symptoms of adrenal fatigue – cravings, sleep disturbances, blood sugar issues, moodiness, overwhelm, achiness, feeling ungrounded, and mental exhaustion – weren’t enough, there is another unwanted byproduct of tired adrenals…belly fat. Cortisol is “the belly fat hormone” and if you’re overproducing cortisol, you probably have some extra padding around the middle.

Love Yourself Up
So how do you address adrenal fatigue? You might be surprised with what I have to tell you. It’s treatable with whole foods nutrition and…lots of self-care. There is no drug for adrenal fatigue, and those over the counter glandulars often further stimulate and fatigue your glands. So yep, making your health, sanity, and wellbeing a priority is what nourished and supports the adrenals. The key is to allay the stress in your life and keep these glands from overproducing stress hormones.

Evaluate what’s going on in your life and don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed. Don’t push yourself and learn to say, “No.” Practice with me here, “NO.”

With adrenal fatigue, pushing ourselves is completely counterproductive to healing, but those stress hormones that amp us up often make us want to push more and do more. You have to learn to slow down. This can seem impossible for some people, especially when we live in a society that overvalues productivity and working ourselves to a frenzy. I’m asking you to be a rebel here and go against this unfounded rule that things have to be this way. Otherwise, you could truly wear yourself out. Then where will that leave you?

The pillars of repairing the adrenals:

  • Don’t crash and burn with caffeine, sugar, and refined carbs. This includes alcohol, which is a form of sugar. People with adrenal fatigue fall into that trap of reaching for caffeine and sugar (the terrible twosome) to keep them marching on, but these can further stress your adrenals, so it’s wise to eliminate them from your diet. Just say no to the energy bungee cord.
  • Make the focus of your meals and snacks protein and fat, with a lesser focus on carbohydrates. But do not eliminate carbs!
  • Balance your blood sugar. Dysglycemia (dysregulated blood sugar) is a serious stressor for the body and can make balancing and nourishing your adrenals nearly impossible.
  • Take an adaptogenic herb, like ashwagandha. Adaptogens are a unique class of herbs that have a bi-directional ability to adapt to what your adrenals need. 
  • Eat breakfast within 45 min. of waking to get your metabolism burning and to help your body regulate your cortisol cycle, which will help with sleep.
  • Make sure you’re getting plenty of Vitamins B and C, sometimes needed over and above what’s already in your multivitamin, at least for a time.
  • Do restorative exercise, like yoga, or walking. Don’t overtax the body with rigorous exercise. This can cause a stress response, which will make you overproduce cortisol, the belly fat hormone.
  • Say NO to more things.
  • Breathe. Even five minutes a day of deep breathing will do wonders for your adrenals.
  • Sleep like it’s your job. And go to bed early, if you can. Every hour before midnight is like two hours after. Set a quiet alarm for one hour before you turn in so that you can turn off all electronics, drink some herbal tea, maybe take a hot bath. Eight to 9 hours is ideal. For those recovering from severe adrenal exhaustion, 10 hours may be required initially.
  • If you’re feeling fried, cancel your appointments for the day, if possible, and recharge your batteries by resting.
  • Get quiet time TO YOURSELF. By yourself. Schedule uninterrupted, ALONE time, all for you, and do whatever you want to do…read trashy celebrity magazines, knit, write in a journal, whatever makes you feel good.
  • Get creative. Incorporate some creativity into your life. Play an instrument, dance, paint, write, crochet … I’m telling you, this is food for the adrenals.
  • Engage with people who you most enjoy and who bring out the best in you. It’s okay to let go of relationships that no longer serve you.
  • Play. Let go of what drains you. You don’t have to do it all.

Any approach to correcting adrenal fatigue must address the effects of chronic stress. And as you can see from the list I have provided you, there is a lot of fun involved!

Posted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on Aug 30, 2011

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Comments

Excellent article! Jill knows her stuff.

Submitted by Andrea on September 1, 2011 - 8:30am

You are just the best. Reading this article has taught me about myself. Whyhave doctors? Sure I  am a new person.

Submitted by Debbie Baker on November 24, 2014 - 4:28pm

Unfortunately, all comments on this post written prior to Feb. 28, 2013 were inadvertently wiped out. Ouch.

Submitted by Jill Grunewald on March 1, 2013 - 5:55pm

Wondering how much licorice root to take?

Submitted by Jen on March 2, 2013 - 11:42am

Hi Jen, it's difficult to say how much to take. I typically tell people to take what's recommended on the product. Licorice can be great for the adrenals, but it can be stimulating for some. I've actually started leaning more toward recommending adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha or holy basil.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on March 3, 2013 - 9:38pm

I was wondering about green tea. What effects do drinking it have on this condition?

Submitted by Anonymous on March 14, 2013 - 8:45am

My naturopath also said the bed-before-midnight thing, but I couldn't get a straight answer as to WHY. I don't have to work till noon, so unless we are going with Chinese peak times here, I cannot comprehend how the body would tell the difference between 11pm and 1 am.
Insight?
Thanks...

Submitted by Anonymous on March 22, 2013 - 3:00am

Also, how does the sensitive to others suffering (except the added stress) play in?

Submitted by Anonymous on March 22, 2013 - 3:03am

Green tea is very healthy -- chock full of polyphenols (antioxidants). But if someone has advanced adrenal issues, I don't recommend any caffeine, as it can make adrenal dysfunction worse.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on March 26, 2013 - 12:34pm

The body very much knows the difference between 11pm and 1am and it's based on our circadian rhythms, of which cortisol (an adrenal hormone) largely regulates. Cortisol has a 24-hour cycle. Every hour of sleep before midnight is like two hours after. Many people feel more rested sleeping from 10pm 'til 6am than those who go to bed at midnight and sleep 'til 8am.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on March 26, 2013 - 12:37pm

I can't tell you exactly why people who have adrenal dysfunction are overly sensitive to others' suffering, but it is a sign of adrenal dysfunction. Many people who have adrenal issues cry at TV commercials and sob at sad movies. The overproduction of adrenaline and cortisol can make people sensitive and overreactive -- but the overreaction isn't always anger. It can be an overreaction to emotional situations -- and not just your own personal situation. Overproduction of stress hormones makes people hyper sensitive and reactive to a lot of things.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on March 26, 2013 - 12:41pm

I could answer yes to all the questions, but I've been working very calmly on myself since listening to all the summits, I'm enjoying epsom salt baths ,doing pottery and African drumming and a bit of fast excercise (few minutes each day) on top of my yoga and meditation and enjoying very healthy green vegi and fruity meals ( not together) and although I'm  way too skinny I am finding that I'm gaining a bit of muscle back and getting much better sleep, but I still cry if I watch the news

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Allison on June 19, 2015 - 3:23am

Very good for you. After finding this page I will start to do these samethings!! I hope that this works...

Submitted by Marion Marine on December 21, 2015 - 7:12pm

My naturopath warned me that he believed I have adrenal fatigue. But it sort of went by me, because of everything else going on with my body at the time, about 7 years ago. But in reading this, I feel like you know me personally and are describing me. It's a little unsettling in a way.  However this knowledge also makes me feel less alone and drives home the importance of changes I need to make. I only wish I had stopped caffeine and sugar 20 years ago, because my addiction to them is really strong.  I am 40, but have been on a slippery slope since my late teens and early 20s. Being overly empathetic and crying at the drop of a hat seemed like just a part of my personality for years.  I went from crying every day in my late 20s to once a week, and now about once a month or less, which is a big difference. But the past ten years have brought many negative physical symptoms which plague me.  Including low energy, adult acne, the big belly issue, very thin hair in the front of my scalp, all of the sleep issues you mentioned, and being easily irritated, frequent headaches, digestion problems, aches and pains.  Some of these symptoms are starting to seem a little better.  But I feel like I am trying to undo 30 years of stress.  I do dance, needle felt, write, paint, meditate, yoga, and exercise (not excessive or difficult). But I still have a sugar addiction and a sleep issue, and most of the symptoms you mentioned. Do you think it's too late for me to turn this ship around?

Submitted by Ailie Holland on February 21, 2016 - 1:38am

It’s definitely not too late. 

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on February 23, 2016 - 10:43am

I have one coffee when i wake up and have recently bern having a breaksfast fresh baked croissant. Ive suspected that I'm suffering adrenal fatigue on and off for 2 years or so; i have a mild eletric "spasm " occasionally too. Id tjat too much coffee/carbs per day  for  me fo you think?

Submitted by Julie Nicholson on June 6, 2017 - 5:40am

I feel you...I have the sane symptoms for years now. I hope I'll regain my usual energy and I promise I will not over tax my body again and will learn to slow down and relax.. How's yours doing?

Submitted by Sid on July 28, 2016 - 12:57pm

Wow! I kind of thought I had adrenal fatigue about a year ago, so I took it easy and it seemed to repair itself. I was chalking my recent symptoms to possible hypothyroidism. Which a conventional doctor would diagnose me with as it runs in my family. I'm going to try these tips and see if it helps. THanks.

Submitted by Anonymous on May 9, 2013 - 3:38pm

Hi! Great article, and it's truly opened my eyes. Now, one question I have, is: We only use organic, raw sugar in our house, but we also have organic, raw, and Manuka honey. Can the honey be used as a replacement for the organic sugar, or is it a complete "no sweet" thing? Cheers!

Submitted by Brenda on May 9, 2013 - 6:42pm

Interesting reading. I feel like I have been dealing with all those issues listed. I am taking thyroid med now - 25 mg but I don't sleep well when I take it. I want to try everything you list here - do you think I should stop the thyroid med while I try out your ideas?

Submitted by Linda on May 12, 2013 - 12:17am

I wldnt stop your meds cause if your being checked regularly the dr will reduce it if needed. I have hashimotos n i get blood drawn every 8 wks n for past yr hes increased my snthroid everytime until i changed my diet..i first illiminated sodas processed foods then as i educated myself gluten free n replaced with lots of protein in seeds nuts n quinoa n veggies n milk free n since then my thyroids been to high so hes been decreasing my meds every time i go so my diet has made a diff...big time.. my dr told me to take my synthroid first thing in morning n dont eat or drink anything but water for an hour.. im determined to reverse this hashimotos but i need also work on this adrenal fatigue ..

Submitted by candy on April 24, 2015 - 8:41pm

Hi!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I had low to none adrenaline for years until I became a ginea pig in a research and got better. I think the cause was tons of cortisone given to me because of my terrible asthma. It helped but not cured.
Years later a genious doctor cured me - yes, cured completely and for the last 17 years I had no asthmatic incident.
But all this left a mark and now I have Hashimoto.I am determined to cure myself naturally and refuse to take drugs.
I am 75 yrs old and I dare say NO to my doctor who insists on statins, tyroxine, phosalan and G-d knows what other poisons.
It will happen, especially with the help of people like you who share thier wisdom.
Thank you!

Submitted by ruthy on May 13, 2013 - 12:34pm

Thanks for your comment, Linda. Thyroid drugs are not "one size fits all." As Dr. Sara Gottfried says, finding the right thyroid drug is like trying on shoes -- you have to find what fits for you. Talk to your doctor (or find a new one if your current one isn't willing to listen to your concerns) before you go cold turkey off of your thyroid meds. There are countless dietary and lifestyle changes that can go hand-in-hand with drug therapies, or can even replace them over time. Go to our "Contact" page if you would like to discuss this with me in more detail.

Submitted by jJill on May 13, 2013 - 3:49pm

Thank you,very thorough. Most remedies cover just the physical aspect of healing and skip the spiritual. Very much appreciated.

Submitted by baby bokchoy on May 20, 2013 - 2:29pm

Hi Brenda, I'm sorry for the tardy reply to your question. The answer is...it depends. The "no sweet" thing applies more to people who have more advanced or severe adrenal dysfunction. But this doesn't mean they can never eat sweets again. You really want to stay away from sugar and caffeine during an adrenal recovery phase. If your adrenals are mildly or moderately fatigued, I say a little natural sweetener is fine. I love honey and local honey from local bees is best. For sugar substitutes, I prefer date sugar or coconut sugar, in moderation. At least these sweeteners are giving you some nutrition in the form of minerals and enzymes and they're lower on the glycemic index, meaning that they have less of an effect of your blood sugar.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on May 20, 2013 - 4:44pm

How long should an adrenal recovery phase last? 

Submitted by Dorota on November 4, 2015 - 5:02pm

Hi Ruthy, thanks for sharing your experience. Good for you for not taking your doctor's prescriptions as gospel!

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on May 20, 2013 - 4:46pm

Jill, to reply to one of your earlier responses, The reason we are sensitive to other things when our adrenals is because they are not just our shock absorbers for our immune system, they are also our shock absorbers for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. So when our adrenal glands are depleted we can find ourselves unduly susceptible to all manner of sensitivities.

Submitted by Lauren on May 22, 2013 - 3:15pm

Hello there,

I have been suffering some kind of exhaustion or fatigue for the past few years. I take synthroid (.88)cannot seem to get my head above water everything is a struggle for me. I am going to try some of this stuff, but do you have any other advice? Hard on the nerves. Thanks M

Submitted by Marilyn on June 4, 2013 - 10:27am

Hi Marilyn,

Thyroid medications are not one-size-fits-all, and given the various types on the market, and the other dietary and lifestyle components that are vital to nourish the thyroid and adrenals, there are several routes to restoring your energy. Feel free to schedule an Intro Session with Jill on our Contact page, our consider Jill's Fire Your Thyroid e-book or homestudy course, both of which clients have found very helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on June 6, 2013 - 9:54am

Fantastic article!! I have suffered from adrenal fatigue for the last few years. Acupuncture and simple yoga can be a big help. I have recently started taking ashwagandha. I also have Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism and work with a Naturopathic Doctor to help treat holistically. A natural approach is life changing!!!

Submitted by Amy on August 14, 2013 - 8:10pm

I am in awe at the info and testimonials found on this sight. I have searched the web frantically for all the info I could find on hypothyroidism. You have enlightened my eyes to a lot but still at question on my condition. Have been fighting this battle for 30 plus years. The symptoms are in numeral and my health is failing fast. Lupus, fibromyalgia hypothyroidism, and now coronary artery disease. I have tried a lot on my own because of no insurance but to no avail. Finally gave in went to a doc , taking armour thyroid med, still no better. Can't take much more because now my heart is failing. I know you are overwhelmed with many that have more horrible symptoms than I but at 54, a go getter at life, two beautiful grandbabies and a desire to be more than I am. Please be so kind to share a little of your time and info so that I can enjoy life. Thanks a million in advance. Judith :)

Submitted by Anonymous on August 29, 2013 - 10:31pm

Hi!
I read you article on May.
Since then I've been taking every day a triple (or more) the prescribed dose of multivitamine, Q10, omega3, ashwagandha, vit.d,magnesium and vit c.
After about three months I had a blood count and for the first time in my life my cholesterol and triglyceride count was within the norm!!!! No other diet!
I also began to feel refreshed and not tired s I always am.
Lately my mother (102 yrs old!) had a heart attack and I had to spend a lot of time at her home, so I stopped taking the supplements.
I feel the difference very distinctly!
Today I began taking it all again and I hope to feel better again. Then I'll k n o w the vitamins are doing the job.
Hope to keep you informed.
Thank you so much!

Submitted by ruthy on September 11, 2013 - 10:43am

I am feeling much better since my naturopath said my adrenals were stressed. She gave me herbal supplements that seemed to help. I just had blood work done again and my TSH went up from 4.56 to 5.46 in 8 months. I was taking thyodine a natural supplement for 5 months. Now I am puzzled why this happened. I am worried too! Waiting to see my Dr. About this and will not take drugs. What should I do to correct this problem? What does it mean? Thanks!

Submitted by Mariann on September 17, 2013 - 2:03pm

Hi Mariann,

We are generally not big proponents of thyroid supplements per se, and prefer to direct supplementation (if appropriate) and dietary and lifestyle strategies to the root cause of an underactive thyroid, which, for the vast majority of people, is autoimmunity. While TSH levels can be instructive, they are simply one piece of the puzzle of thyroid function, and are difficult to analyze without those other pieces. (Check out our blog post, TSH=Thyroid Stimulating Hooey.) Also feel free to check out the articles on our site, Repair Your Thyroid, and 13 Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism Naturally, both of which are under "Articles" in the "Resources" tab, or info about Jill's book, Fire Your Thyroid, in our Store. You can email me directly -- mary@healthfulelements.com -- to get information about scheduling an intro session. Best of luck!

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on September 17, 2013 - 8:00pm

Hi Ruthy,

We're so thrilled that you've found some relief! Keep taking those supplements if they were working for you, and let us know if we can provide any additional support.

Warmly,
Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on September 17, 2013 - 8:01pm

Hi Judith,

Thank you so much for your comment. Navigating the murky waters of thyroid health, and its connection to adrenal function and hormonal balance, can be very challenging and confusing, particularly given your other health issues. As I heard Jill say earlier today, small hinges swing big doors, and so change in one area is likely to have systemic impacts, but all such strategies can take time before you notice any improvement. There's a wealth of information available on our site, including the "Repair Your Thyroid" and "13 Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism Naturally," both articles found under the "Resources" tab. Much of the material in those articles addresses dietary and lifestyle strategies to tame autoimmunity in general, which could prove beneficial in other areas -- not just your thyroid. We have had so many clients in positions similar to yours, so know that relief from your symptoms is not elusive. We wish you all the best!

Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on September 17, 2013 - 8:14pm

Hi. I really enjoyed your article. I've read a lot about adrenal fatigue (AF) and much of what's out there can quickly become repetitive, but your article made some unique exceptions. I especially appreciated the spiritual and energetic component.

I wanted to ask about the "recovery phase" that you keep mentioning. This implies to me that you view AF as a curable condition, one that will not necessarily reoccur once the adrenals are re-balanced? Are you asserting that reducing stress, removing stimulants,increasing protein & fat, and supplementing with licorice and ashwagandha is all that our bodies need to heal? What about in cases of severe adrenal fatigue with co-occurring conditions? I've read so many other (often contradictory) protocols for healing AF, it is confusing.

Other common suggestions are to increase mineral salt consumption, supplement key minerals and vitamins, use of adrenal glandulars, use of multi-herb formulas, and therapeutic use of hydrocortisone. Most also recommend 24 hour cortisol saliva testing.

I haven't been able to afford the testing yet, but I really hope to do it soon. I am 100% certain that I have AF, though. I am a multi-trauma and child abuse survivor and I have struggled with varying severity of anxiety and PTSD since I was a teen. I'm now 38 and have also developed Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, asthma & allergies, and multiple food and chemical sensitivities. I also live with chronic back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain that has still not successfully been investigated as to the cause, and I've suffered from severe headaches since I was about 18 as well.

I'm giving you my history to better frame my question. How can I heal from this? I've made immense dietary and lifestyle changes, and am not exposed to chemicals or toxins. I do everything I can to moderate my exposure to stress, and yet I experience anxiety almost daily. I'm a low income single mother, so there is plenty of stress coming my way 24/7. My fatigue is so severe that I get A LOT of rest. I've used nervines and adaptogenic herbs for years. I'm not sure what else to do to heal my adrenals. And if I do get them feeling replenished, how to stop this from recurring given the issues I related above?

I would very sincerely appreciate any suggestions that you may have for me.

Thank you,
Melissa

Submitted by Anonymous on January 8, 2014 - 9:47pm

Hi Melissa,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt comment. We'd love to be able to give you some advice and determine whether we'd be able to help you, but that's very difficult to do via email (or blog comments). If you're interested in speaking with us in detail about your situation, please use the form on our Contact page or email us to be put on our waiting list for future session. We anticipate that our schedule will open up again for intro sessions in the coming weeks.

Warmly,
Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on January 10, 2014 - 2:42pm

Hi Melissa, I'd like to add that we'll be offering a Restore Your Adrenals teleclass series as soon as possible. I'm currently in the throes of writing my Essential Thyroid Cookbook, which will be published this spring. The next big thing for us is to create this series of classes where you can call in from anywhere and the Action Guides are sent to you via email. We've offered a few teleclass series before and they've been hugely successful and are a great way to get invaluable information without committing to a one-on-one coaching program.

Quickly, I'm not a fan of glandulars, especially the ones with bovine or porcine glands. Also, we've worked with several people with a history of PTSD and I've found this to be the most significant contributor to AF. As Marcelle Pick says, "It's historic stress, not day-to-day stressors, that most affect our adrenals."

Warmly,
Jill

P.S. Yes, there is a lot of conflicting information out there and yes, you can heal!

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on January 10, 2014 - 3:05pm

Reading this is like a light bulb going off in my head, I have recently started loosing my hair, probably due to hypothyroidism, I have got the belly fat!! and cry at adverts, I am unable to cope with simple tasks and sometimes afraid to leave the house, I used to be so strong, but recent events have left me nervous about everything, some days I find it hard to breath, doctors offer little help, on the verge of useless, but knowing I can do this naturally will hopefully repair what has all gone wrong, what I want to know is will my hair come back, I am desperate about it.

Submitted by Yve on January 13, 2014 - 3:39am

It seems a common theme in boosting thyroid, adrenal and overall body function is lay off caffeine and sugars. I am tired pretty much constantly and just getting through the work day is a challenge. What is the best way to boost energy levels without having to down two cups of coffee?

Submitted by Ellen on January 17, 2014 - 9:16am

I have all symptoms described, was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and took medication for about eight years but after finding my spiritual path decided to have an experiment, took myself off meds for 6 months only to be told I could get away without taking them again. I had been told I'd be on meds for life. I tend to be defensive, moody, anger easily. I am sensitive to other people's opinions and pain. I have had severe mood Sonja and also sudden fatigue over the years and really want this to change. I'll try the licorice and other thyroid and adrenal help. thank you

Submitted by Niamh on January 28, 2014 - 3:24pm

Hi Yve,

Yes, it is certainly possible for hair loss to abate and for hair to grow back, but bring balance back to your body to facilitate that regrowth is multifactorial and obviously depends on the unique cause (or causes) of the hair loss itself. It certainly seems like mediating the stress response in your body is key, but doing so will likely require various biological, dietary, and lifestyle components. Please email us if we can be of any assistance.

Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on January 29, 2014 - 9:57am

Hi Ellen,

There are countless ways to restore energy. Coffee is a bad long-term strategy, in that it can severely tax the adrenals and perpetuate and exacerbate cortisol imbalance, which certainly does more harm than good. All of the tips listed above are great places to start, but you'll have to be patient and withstand some withdrawal symptoms if you decide to go cold-turkey. Keep an eye out for news about our Restore Your Adrenals teleclass, too.

Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on January 29, 2014 - 10:00am

Hi Niamh,

Yes, definitely try implementing the strategies outlined in the post, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need more personalized guidance.

Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on January 29, 2014 - 10:01am

Thank you so much for all of this information, I shall try everything and hope I start to feel better.
My health dramatically crashed and this article has given me some form of insight and hope that I'll be fine.

Doctors can't figure out my symptoms. So ill fix it on my own.

Submitted by Nicole on March 22, 2014 - 8:08am

Nicole,

We're so glad you're finding this information helpful. It's true -- many medical professionals ignore adrenal function unless the symptoms point to Cushing's disease or Addison's disease. But adrenal function exists on a spectrum, and it closely linked with thyroid function and hormone balance. Best of luck as you continue your research, and please let us know if we can be of support or guidance.

Warmly,
Mary

Submitted by Mary K. Tomback on March 25, 2014 - 11:42am

Hi there,
I found this very helpful and you literally described me to a "T". My husband was laughing out loud when I read it to him. I got diagnosed with Hashimotos when my first child was 5 months old (this was about 2 1/2 years ago). When my second child was 6 months old I got diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. I had my entire thyroid removed in December. Although I never lost all my baby weight with either child, I did get down to 10 lbs above my normal weight. I work out every single day and have been gluten and dairy free for 10 months now. The problem is that my TSH levels are all over the map. I have my blood taken every 2 weeks (because I go from feeling great to feeling like crap so quickly). My belly goes from being hard and bloated to flat and I don't know why, but right now my TSH is at .21 and my belly is huge so I'm thinking they aren;t related at all. One week my TSH is at a 7 and the next week I was at .21. My T3 is also low, It is a 81. I am now on 150 Synthroid and 10 mg of T3. I had my cortisol tested in the AM and it was 21.8. Is this normal? My doctors tell me it is, but I honestly don't trust them after everything I've been through. I;m sort of at the end of my rope and tired of dealing with this. Is there anything you think I need to be doing more of? Or something I'm not doing right? Do I need to be concerned with Addison's disease?
Sorry for the ramble but my brain hasn't worked right in 2 years. Any help is so greatly appreciated!!!

Submitted by Steph on April 8, 2014 - 7:28pm

Hi Steph, I'm really sorry to hear about your thyroid cancer. TSH is a pituitary hormone. If you had Hashimoto's, your immune system is still hypervigilant if you haven't embarked on an immune modulatory protocol. This is likely why you're swinging around with how you feel. If you have antibodies to one system/tissue, it's very likely you have antibodies to others. Some doctors say the odds are 80%. So just because your thyroid was removed doesn't mean that you are free from autoimmunity. Sorry that this comment box isn't big enough to give you the support you need. You can go to our Contact page if you want to talk directly. Warmly, Jill

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on April 9, 2014 - 12:41pm

Ive read your article and wanting to learn more about this, I have been fighting fatigue, brain fog, weight gain,and in my youth had a big problem with fertility, been dealing with this for years.I'm now in menopause and things have just gotten worse. Been to countless doctors had countless blood test even went to a sleep clinic to no avail. The only red flag was my thyroid was sometimes low next time fine doctors said that was fine not to worry. My doctor wanted me to try phentermine for the weight gain, didnt help with the weight but for the first time in years i felt like I was finally fully awake. I told my doctor this and all he wants to do is keep me on it. I dont take them but id sure like to feel that way again without taking any drugs. I,m just wondering if this has been my problem all along. I really want to feel better have energy again and enjoy life. any input would be really helpful Thank you so much Cindy

Submitted by cindy on April 27, 2014 - 3:31pm

Hello, I was wondering if you could answer a few questions...
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a year after having my daughter, but had an eye kept on it my whole life, as it is genetic and I have always been rather ill...
I have been on synthroid and the syptoms are all still here, and getting much worse..
I believe I have Hashimoto's, as I also have rheumatoid arthritis, but my current doctors are not helpful at all.

Submitted by Lauren on April 29, 2014 - 10:30pm

Hi Cindy, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Often times, things do get worse during or pre-menopause. Whether or not your thyroid is underfunctioning is largely determined by what labs are run (limited? thorough?) and what reference ranges are used. You can see a full, functional thyroid panel at this link: http://www.healthfulelements.com/blog/2011/10/11/tsh-thyroid-stimulating...

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on April 30, 2014 - 10:00am

Hi Lauren, hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's often show up post-pregnancy. Very common. Synthroid works for a tiny percentage of people. I feel it's pretty worthless. Given your propensity for autoimmunity (the R.A), you likely have Hashimoto's, as 97% of those with hypothyroidism do. I'm not diagnosing you, of course, but the chances are good. Thyroid drugs don't heal autoimmunity.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on April 30, 2014 - 10:03am

I was prescribed DHEA 10mg compounded sustained release by a holistic MD and it helps with the headaches brain fog and weakness. With no side effects and lifts my mood. You can get over the counter but not low dose time release

Submitted by Karen on May 27, 2014 - 3:17pm

Hi Karen, you raise a good point about DHEA supplementation. It's important to do low-dose, like 5-10 mg. Anything more can cause acne, agitation, and facial hair. As I always say to my clients, "Less is often more." I'm a big fan of homeopathic dosing. Homeopathy is its own science, but you can apply the "less is more" approach with herbs and some supplementation with great results.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on May 27, 2014 - 4:03pm

I just found this article & these things describe my mood exactly. I've been considering going to the doctor to see if I needed hormone medication because I feel so off with my mood & feelings, even though I don't have any major stress in my life. I am going to see a doctor to have my thyroid tested but would like to correct my issues as naturally as possible. What daily supplements & what amount of each do you recommend? Currently I don't even take vitamins. Thank you for this helpful information.

Submitted by Kristin on May 31, 2014 - 11:22am

Hi Kristin, it's not our M.O. to make blanket, one-sized-fits all supplement recommendations, especially when we're not big supplement-pushers to begin with. We feel that we can get most of what we need from food sources.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on June 16, 2014 - 5:29pm

Thanks for the great information. I have a 4cm nodule on the right side of my thyroid - getting both removed next week. Several tests were "inconclusive" for cancer, I'm hoping & praying it isn't cancerous and the left lobe of my thyroid can stay. While the doctors all claim my thyroid function is "normal", I know otherwise. In fact, the more I read about hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue, the more I realize I've had symptoms for years! I'm working towards a whole foods approach and plan to incorporate the above mentioned vitamins & minerals. Thank you for helping me take back my health. While I appreciate the job doctors do, they are only human. We each know our own bodies best and must not simply take the doctor's word as final when it comes to treatment and health.

Submitted by Andie on July 11, 2014 - 7:34am

Hi Andie, did you know that if it is cancerous, which I hope it's not, very few cases of thyroid cancer are untreatable? The 20-year survival rate is something like 98%. And I couldn't agree with your last sentence more! Blessings to you.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on July 11, 2014 - 9:48am

At the age of 39, after the birth of our fourth daughter, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  My level was 38 at the time of testing.  Since then they have adjusted my Synthroid as my TSH has been all over the place - as low as .1 and as high as  6.  I was sick in July for a couple of days and didn’t take my medication.  I was feeling better, probably from recovering from a summer bug, but decided at that time to stop taking my meds until my next level check to see how things were going.  I wasn’t feeling all that well when on my medication and the weight gain was awful!!! So I made the decision to take some time off.  During this time I’ve lost 8lbs. in 6 weeks.  I haven’t lost a pound in over a year, and when I do lose it’s a pound or two and then it comes back with more. I am normally a 135 lb. person, but I am stuck at 175 lbs. (and  I now this may sound petty) but it’s awful.  I have talked with my endo. til I’m blue in the face about the weight issue and she has no answers.  So, with that being said, since I’ve been off the meds. I’ve lost weight, I feel great, my hair and nails are wonderful, BUT when having my blood work done last week my Vitamin D level is low, and my TSH went from .7 to 8.56 since May.  So now they want to up my Synthroid.  The thought of gaining weight and not feeling so hot is discouraging.  From January to June I went from 163 - 175lbs. They weight gain needs to stop, and I am trying to help by following Paleo and excercising at least 3 times a week.  Do I go back on the meds.???  I don’t want anything else healthwise to be in jeopardy, but I feel like I’m stuck in someone else’s body.  Just wanting some thoughts on the matter. Thank you!!!

Submitted by Jen on September 6, 2014 - 2:48pm

I understand your frustration completely.  We hear many stories similar to yours.  While thyroid medications can be helpful, they are only one piece of the puzzle.  Dietary and lifestyle strategies can be very effective as they often address the root cause of hypothyroidism.  And measuring TSH only, without the other thyroid hormones and both thyroid antibodies, doesn’t provide a full picture of your thyroid function.  We can’t dispense advice via a blog or email, but we’d love to help you.  If you would like to talk to us in detail, please use the form on the Contact page to sign up for a personalized Introductory session.  One more thing…we do encourage our clients to find another MD if the care you are currently getting isn’t satisfactory.   Good luck.  Warmly, Susan

Submitted by Susan Prince on September 15, 2014 - 3:24pm

I cannot tell  you how fortunate I am to have discovered this page. While I have not been formally diagnosed with adrenal issues, from reading symptoms and your advice on natural, self treatment - Bingo. I am 90% of your list.  I went to the local healthfood store today and purchased some tea with holy basil and a supplement for adrenal function as well as a host of other nurturing items. I've also restructured my time to include a warm, candlelit bath before bed, getting to bed well before midnight, daily walks with my dog, and making art dates with myself. The kitchen cupboards have been purged of anything less than organic, nonprocessed, no sugar, etc items. (I was busy today!) The past 3-4 years have been extremely stressful - I work in a toxic environment as a teacher - it's not the students, but the adults and their attitudes and mindsets. Add to that having raised 3 children as a single mother (2 of them testy boys - the 'baby' left for college 2 months ago so the hosue is mine all mine!), and I feel pretty fried. I look it, too. Couldn't put a finger on what's wrong with me.  So, just feeling like I have something concrete to address has made me feel back towards being in control. I know I need to see a physician for a thorough check up but I really think addressing self care for me by following your suggestions and nurturing my adrenals is where I need to start.

Thank you for this page. I think it saved my life.

Namaste, Diana

Submitted by Diana on October 11, 2014 - 11:10pm

Hi Diana, wow, thank you for this incredible feedback. We’re so glad that this post made such in impression on you. It sounds like you’ve really taken the bull by the horns. FYI, the “gold standard” for testing the adrenals is an ASI salivary panel (adrenal stress index). Many functional/integrative medicine doctors will administer this test, but you can also order it online from a direct-to-consumer lab. 

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on October 20, 2014 - 11:21am

I HAVE NO THYROID AND HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM. ONE MONTH I AM HYPO HAVING MY GENERIC SYNTHROID RAISED TO 250 AND THE NEXT MONTH MY BLOOD WORK COMES BACK SHOWING THAT MY THYROID IS OVERACTIVE, LOWERING MY SYNTHROID TO 200. THE DOCTOR ALSO ORDERED THE ACTUAL BRAND SYNTHROID, NOT GENERIC. I HAVE BEEN FEELING FOR QUITE SOME TIME THAT MY AGE OF 55, BEING IN THE MIDST OF MENOPAUSE AND THE USE OF A GENERIC MEDICATION HAS BEEN PLAYING HAVOC WITH MY HEALTH. FOR THE PAST MONTH, I HAVE BEEN DIZZY, TIRED, FOGGY, EXPERIENCING HEART PALPATATIONS, ETC. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO EAT CLEAN, TAKE SUPPLEMENTS AND STAY CALM IN HOPES THAT THIS WILL SOME DAY GO AWAY! DO YOU HAVE ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR ME?

Submitted by DONNA on October 29, 2014 - 9:51pm

Hi Donna, swinging back and forth from hypo to hyper symptoms is indicative of autoimmunity/Hashimoto’s. Because we aren’t doctors, we can’t diagnose anyone with anything, but I’m wondering if you’ve had your antibodies checked. And yes, you can still have antibodies even though there is no thyroid tissue – just because the thyroid has been removed doesn’t mean that antibody production has been mitigated. Often times, people are diagnosed with an “overactive” thyroid or with hyperthyroidism because of low TSH, but low TSH doesn’t necessarily mean you’re hyperthyroid.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on October 30, 2014 - 9:15am

I've read it is unsafe to take licorice while breastfeeding. Is there something else I can do in the meantime?

Submitted by Yollie on February 6, 2015 - 12:14pm

Hi Yollie, I would recommend an adaptogenic herb, like ashwagandha or holy basil.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on February 6, 2015 - 1:00pm

My TSH level is 13.8 .... seeking for home remedies to lower it.... I'm so glad to  find this post. I have problem to relax.... it's very sad!  

Submitted by Anhermali on May 9, 2015 - 10:39pm

Oh dear, it's like it'd describing me. Post Graves, I've never been right. I've lived on colossal amounts of stimulants for most of my life but even a sniff of caffeine now causes palpitations. I have vocal weakness, leg tremors, explosive irritability, no capacity for stress whatsoever when I used to run on stress before! 

Submitted by R on May 16, 2015 - 10:24am

Thankful I found this page, dealing with the beginnings of finding out that this may be what is the culprit for my exhaustion. Not to mention that I identify with the list!!  I will see my doctor today to discuss my situation, really don't want to go on any meds soooooo I plan to talk about this with him today!  Blessings to you!  

Submitted by Gina on June 1, 2015 - 9:29am

Actually there is a supplement that can be taken to boost the adrenals.  It's called Adrenogen.  It's hoemopathic--I get it through my Applied Kineseologist.  For those living in or near the Twin Cities (Mpls/St. Paul), look up Dr Zins at Zins Chiropractic in Golder Valley.  He also has an office in St. Michael-and he's amazing.

Submitted by Judy on June 18, 2015 - 4:02pm

Thanks for sharing, Judy, but we don’t like glandulars. We love the Metagenics brand, but never recommend raw adrenal concentrate (bovine or porcine adrenal) for anyone.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on June 18, 2015 - 4:06pm

I wanted to Thank You so much for this information. I have all but one of the symptoms you mentioned and when I first saw this site, I felt like I won the lotto.... finally something is actually wrong with me and I'm NOT crazy. For years I thought I was crazy, Doctors just saying anxiety this, panic attack that, drugs, drugs,drugs (non of which I took anyway). No one would listen to me that "something just isn't right". My blood work always came out great so I just believed them, yet I always don't feel good so how can that be? I cry at sappy commercials, I jump through the roof if someone startles me, sleep is way out of rythym, and I'm taking for ever to write this :)....and so forth. Thank you... for hope, for facts and for a chance to get better. This is such a gift to me!

Submitted by April A. on January 14, 2016 - 7:54pm

Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you found this helpful, April. Conventional medicine has pretty much failed at recognizing adrenal dysfunction. You may be interested in my 3-part Restore Your Adrenals program. I’m offering it for half price through Jan. 22. It truly is life-changing and takes everything above – and more – and shows you how to nourish and support your adrenals and find balance. www.healthfulelements.com/energy

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on January 14, 2016 - 8:33pm

Any advice on adrenal fatigue during pregnancy? I've heard the mother will "borrow" adrenal hormonal from the fetus if she is too low. Would you ever recommend Adrenal Cortex supplements short term?

Submitted by Cari on April 17, 2016 - 6:09pm

My mother told me that a doctor explained to her  "You have hypothyroidism but it won't show up on the tests.   Don't let anyone tell you differently.  You must take synthroid for the rest of your life."  Since the birth of my son 16 years ago, I have had dry skin which i attributed to nursing.  But the dry skin continued and I have had doctors speculate that i have hypthyroid but, once ordering the tests and getting the results, are satisfied that because the tests show no problem, nothing more needs to be done.  I have sleep problems, itchy dry skin, afternoon fatigue, irritability and restlessness, and brain fog.  Thank you for your article which explained a lot.  I am looking at adrenal adjustment and natural remedies for hypothyroidism.

Submitted by janelle on April 21, 2016 - 8:13pm

Thank you! Im on the verge if a nervous breakdown from not saying NO more often! And everything said here is what I know myself (from knowing my own body/conditions and being knowledgeable about science health food life humans and this society! But reading this page may be the turning point for me. I need for someone to tell ME and not have me try to tell everyone else. Its not working anymore and im getting scared about my own reactions! Thank you. I know (have known) what is wrong...just good to hear it from someone else$

Submitted by Marie on February 26, 2017 - 10:20pm

I had my thyroid removed 32 years ago at 19YO due to Graves Disease and a large goiter.  I was put on Synthroid and was fine until I got pregnant with my first child.  The OB never increased my synthroid dose for either pregnancy.  I had a very stressful first marriage, divorced and then finally married my husband.  I lost all my stress weight, size 14 to a size 4!  I maintained that for over 9 years.  For the last 3-4 years I have been steadily gaining weight and losing weight - still a size 6-8 but definitely not what I was.  My job is very stressful because the person I work for is awful most of the time.  My TSH levels have been all over the place for 3.5 years.  I have an amazing primary care doctor that willingly tested my cortisol when the endo wouldn't.  He also tested me for estrogen dominance.  I was convinced that the estrogen was affecting my TSH levels and that when showing hyper (.30 and lower) it was a false number due to the adrenals not being able to properly function.  I did my research and I started taking Gaia adrenal support - 2 months ago - my TSH is now testing at 6.07 - I know that .50 TSH is my happy place  - primary care increased my synthroid and will retest in 6 weeks.  I have been taking the adrenal support, evening primrose oil, a good vegan multi vitamin, fish oil and D3.  I have morphed into a mostly vegetarian diet in the last 2 months as well.  Every morning I have 2 eggs and 3 egg whites, mid day I have a protein drink and then I have a smoothie made with berries, greens, flax/chia, protein powder and apple cider vinegar and then a protein rich dinner.  I am well exercised - walking, running and weights which calms me.  When I found this article, I knew that I was not imagining my symptoms the last 3-4 years and am glad that I followed my instincts!  Thank you so much for this article! 

Submitted by cupoftea7 on October 10, 2017 - 9:04am

Thank you so much! This was the best article ever. Really helped me & calmed my stress levels down. :) I laughed at trashy magazines hahaha

Submitted by Chelsea on February 17, 2019 - 4:21am

For those of us extremely allergic to ashwagandha, is there another option you recommend? I am having a tough time finding recommended supplements that do not include ashwagandha. Thanks!

Submitted by Erik on April 25, 2019 - 10:55am

Hi Erik, yes, there are several. I actually recommend a single adaptogen vs. an adaptogenic blend. I like holy basil and rhodiola.

Submitted by Jill McLaughlin (Grunewald) on April 25, 2019 - 10:58am

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