Adrenal fatigue is a term often used to describe the possibility of lower-than-normal cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is made by your adrenal glands and released in high concentrations during stressful events. If stress is chronic, the response made by your adrenals can become exhausted over time.

Signs your adrenals may be overworked and testing may be appropriate:

• Easily lightheaded when standing after sitting for long periods
• Low blood pressure
• Excessive cravings for sweet and salty foods
• Morning and afternoon fatigue, followed by increased energy levels in the evening
• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up in the middle of the night or too early in the morning
• Feeling “tired but wired”
• Constant feelings of stress or anxiety
• Burn out or exhaustion
• Constant muscle heaviness
• Inability to deal with or manage day to day life stresses