The Crash & Burn: Adrenal Dysfunction in Women

When the body just can’t keep up any longer you crash and burn.

By the time you get to this point your body, health, mental capacity, immune system and all defense mechanisms are gone. Your body can no longer compensate.

But how did you get here? How did you not know things had gotten this far out of control?

You most likely didn’t recognize all the signs because you were too busy trying to hold it all together or you just didn’t know what to look for.

Adrenal dysfunction, often referred to as adrenal fatigue, is a condition that occurs when our adrenal glands are overworked and unable to keep up with the demands of stress. Adrenal dysfunction happens in phases and can lead to a variety of symptoms that impact both our physical and mental well-being.

The process of adrenal dysfunction typically occurs in three phases:

Reaction Alarm: This is the initial phase when our body first encounters a stressor. Our adrenal glands respond by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us to fight or flee from the perceived threat. During this phase, we may feel a surge of energy and heightened awareness as our body gears up to deal with the stressor.

Resistance: If the stressor persists over time, our body enters the resistance phase. During this phase, our adrenal glands continue to release hormones to help us cope with the ongoing stress. However, this sustained effort can lead to exhaustion and fatigue as our body struggles to maintain balance. Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and mood swings may become more pronounced during this phase.

Exhaustion: In the final phase, our adrenal glands become depleted from prolonged exposure to stress. As a result, hormone production declines, and our body's ability to cope with stress diminishes. This can manifest in severe fatigue, chronic pain, and a weakened immune system. Without intervention, adrenal exhaustion can significantly impact our quality of life and overall health, leading to an impaired immune system, chronic disease and even cancer.

It's essential for women to recognize the signs of adrenal dysfunction and take steps to manage stress effectively. This may include adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga.

This must be taken seriously. Depending on the level of dysfunction, healing can take quite some time and should be managed by a trained Functional Medicine provider (MarciaJonesNP). Addressing adrenal dysfunction and restoring balance to our bodies can be complex and requires attention to many systems of the body in a systematic approach.

Antidepressants and medications can make symptoms worse or cause new symptoms and further imbalance. Adrenal dysfunction must not be ignored and more sleep is not the fix.

By prioritizing self-care and stress management, in the EARLY phases and adding adaptogenic, herbal support, women can avoid the crash and burn of adrenal dysfunction and lead healthier, more vibrant lives.

TriGandha™ is a comprehensive blend of three unique and well-researched forms of ashwagandha extracts that help support a healthy mood and normal response to perceived stress in early phases.

Liposomal NeuroCalm™ is a unique blend of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine to support mental calm and a healthy response to stress, working quickly, in the moment.

More advanced stages will require specialized care and guidance by a medical professional. Marcia Jones NP is well trained in this area and can help you identify the areas of dysfunction, protect, repair, rebalance and rebuild your depleted physical and emotional health.

If you haven't already gotten the guide to Adrenal Health and Hormones you can get your copy here.

Blessings In Health!

Marcia Jones, NP

P.S. If you are interested in Functional Medicine for your women’s health, hormonal bliss, adrenal health and answers to lingering misery, you can schedule with me at marciajonesnp.com.

Marcia Jones, NP offers a Hormone Focused Functional Medicine Clinic, replacing fear, uncertainty and despair with answers, guidance and HOPE in breast cancer and hormonal health through functional medicine.