Adrenal Dysfunction

Adrenal Dysfunction: the Overtaxed Adrenal Gland

The adrenals sit on top of our kidneys and are responsible for salt balance as well as management of cortisol secretion (fight or flight).  When not under excess stress, this system is able to balance itself without much hiccup or impact on the body and, in fact, is our friend. However, in the presence of excess stress (emotional, dietary, infectious or others) the adrenal gland can be overtaxed.  This phenomenon has been referred to as “adrenal fatigue” by alternative medicine practitioners in the past, however, the adrenals don’t truly fatigue. A more accurate designation would be “adrenal dysfunction.”

The Unheard Patient

We have many patients who visit us at DCIM that describe being hushed by their providers when they thought they might have ‘adrenal fatigue.’  Some are told they were “fine and normal” despite having disruptive symptoms. Often, their practitioners point to conventional laboratory tests results that come back “within the reference range.”  Worse, others are erroneously given medications with many side effects to manage symptoms where adrenal imbalances were the root cause.

DCIM’s Alternative

Our goal at DCIM is to first acknowledge the importance of adrenal health and balance.  We test for adrenal dysfunction using advanced diagnostics to identify the stage of imbalance.  We then work on removing triggers, optimizing sleep, and supporting the adrenals with a wide range of safe interventions.  These interventions can include but are not limited to targeted nutritional support, individualized exercise plans, adaptogenic herbs, and hormones when indicated.  

If you have the sense that you may be suffering with adrenal dysfunction — please contact DCIM today.  We can help!