What Does It Mean?
Adrenal Hypofunction, commonly known as adrenal fatigue, occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate levels of hormones, particularly cortisol, DHEA, and aldosterone. This dysfunction leads to systemic imbalances affecting energy production, stress response, and metabolic regulation.
Key Physiological Imbalances:
- HPA Axis Dysregulation: Chronic stress disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to inadequate cortisol production.
- Nutrient Depletion: Deficiencies in vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium impair adrenal function.
- Blood Sugar Imbalances: Poor cortisol regulation contributes to hypoglycemia.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low aldosterone reduces sodium retention, leading to hypotension and fatigue.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Chronic physical or emotional stress
- Poor sleep quality or circadian rhythm disruptions
- Inflammatory conditions or chronic infections
- Poor diet lacking in essential nutrients
- Excessive stimulant use (caffeine, sugar, alcohol)
- Mitochondrial dysfunction reducing ATP production
Signs & Symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue (especially in the morning and afternoon)
- Brain fog, poor concentration
- Low blood pressure and dizziness upon standing
- Salt cravings
- Difficulty managing stress and mood swings
- Poor recovery from exercise
- Insomnia or non-restorative sleep
How Do We Diagnose It?
Diagnosis is based on symptom presentation and laboratory testing.
Lab Test Findings
Lab Test |
Expected Changes |
Optimal Range |
Chloride |
Decreased |
100.00-106.00 mmol/L |
Cholesterol, Serum |
Decreased |
180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
Cortisol Total, Serum |
Decreased |
11.5-15.00µg/dL |
Glucose, Serum |
Decreased |
75.00-86.00mg/dL |
Hemoglobin (Female) |
Decreased |
13.50-14.50 g/dL |
Potassium |
Increased |
4.00-4.50 mmol/L |
Sodium |
Decreased |
137.00-142.00 mmol/L |
Sodium : Potassium Ratio |
Decreased |
30.00-35.00 |
Triglycerides, Serum |
Decreased |
70.00-80.00 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on restoring adrenal function, improving stress resilience, and correcting underlying imbalances.
Supplement Protocol
Supplement |
Function |
Dosage & Frequency |
Corti-ALL |
Supports adrenal hormone balance and stress response |
2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
Vita Buff-C Caps |
Enhances immune function and supports adrenal recovery |
2 capsules without food, daily |
V-Pax |
Provides mitochondrial and adrenal energy support |
2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
Vita B Methyl |
Supports methylation and adrenal stress response |
1 capsule without food, daily |
Magnesium |
Helps with relaxation and adrenal resilience |
2 capsules with or without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Prioritize Sleep: Maintain consistent sleep-wake cycles.
- Reduce Stimulants: Limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
- Balance Blood Sugar: Eat protein and healthy fats with each meal.
- Adopt Stress Management Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, yoga.
- Hydration & Electrolytes: Increase water intake with added sodium and potassium.