Adrenal Fatigue
Description
Adrenal fatigue—more accurately described as HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis dysfunction—is a functional disorder caused by prolonged physical, emotional, or environmental stress. Over time, the stress response system becomes dysregulated, impairing the body’s ability to maintain healthy cortisol rhythms. This often results in burnout, energy crashes, anxiety, and immune suppression. Conventional testing may miss subtle patterns, but functional medicine evaluates cortisol timing, adrenal reserve, nutrient status, and root causes like mold exposure, trauma, infection, or nutrient depletion. Treatment includes rebalancing the stress response, restoring circadian rhythm, and using adaptogens, nutrients, and nervous system regulation to rebuild resilience.
Symptoms
Fatigue (especially morning or mid-afternoon crashes)
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Craving salt or sugar
Brain fog or low motivation
Lightheadedness on standing
Poor stress tolerance
Low libido
Frequent infections
Anxiety or irritability
Hormonal imbalances
Labs & Testing Options
Salivary cortisol rhythm test
ACTH stimulation test (for severe cases)
DHEA and pregnenolone levels
Comprehensive metabolic panel
Thyroid panel (often affected)
Vitamin C, B5, B6, magnesium, and zinc levels
TGF-β1, VEGF, or mold testing (if exposure suspected)
Treatment Options
Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, licorice)
Targeted nutrients (vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, DHEA)
Nervous system support (breathwork, vagal exercises, HRV training)
Circadian rhythm reset (sunlight in morning, blue light blocking at night)
Anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-balanced diet
Gentle movement like yoga or walking (avoid overtraining)
Address underlying infections, toxins, or trauma
Sleep optimization and routine building
Feeling burned out and wired but tired? Reclaim your energy with functional adrenal testing and natural recovery support.