Blog

3

3

Is there any lab test or other that one can do to see if they have adrenal fatigue/weakness?

Edit: I should add this comment of mine in response to Terrance. A quick google search tells me its related.

"I've had my cortisol tested and it was lower then normal in the morning and higher then normal at night. I actually will be pretty alert, sharp and feeling good if I stay awake from about 12:30 AM to 4:00 AM. Obviously the world doesn't work this way so I can't either. Any way to change this/does this flip mean anything?" If so, how does one fix this?

Edit 2: Does Alpha Lipoic acid help the adrenals at all? Im working with a Naturopath and this is all they put me on for adrenal fatigue. This naturopath is not the most organized so I really have to push on them to get things squared away.

flag
My adrenals were so shot, we thought they were never coming back! My naturopath made me a tincture with mostly licorice, and it really helped at the time. I could sleep nine hours and awake rested. Licorice can really raise blood pressure for some though. Maybe find another doc? – valkyrie Mar 17 2011 at 2:29
My ND has me on licorice for my adrenals, too. I have heard from a number of sources that licorice is very effective in stabilizing the adrenals (the real thing, not candy licorice or anise). Is your BP higher on licorice, valkyrie? If so, maybe take less licorice. – terrence Mar 17 2011 at 3:32

8 Answers

2

Ragland's orthostatic hypotension test is a great screening tool. Have you blood pressure checked lying down, relaxed. Then recheck as you've moved from sitting to standing (immediately). Your adrenals should kick in and actually cause an increase in blood pressure. If it drops (or stays the same) you've likely adrenal fatigue.

link|flag
1

You can, in fact, get a 12 hour saliva test for cortisol - which will show how your adrenals are functioning. You take one sample between 6:00 am and 8:00 am; another between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm; then between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm; and the last one between 10:00 pm and midnight.

The test also measures your DHEA, Fasting Insulin, Progesterone, SIgA, and Gliadin (for Gluten sensitivity).

Saliva tests are much more reliable for testing adrenals than blood tests.

Diagnos-Techs, Inc.in Tukwila, WA. is one of many labs that do this is testing.

You will need a doctor or Naturopath to request the test, get the kit and instructions; and to interpret the results for you. It may cost $200 to $250 USD.

link|flag
I've had my cortisol tested and it was lower then normal in the morning and higher then normal at night. I actually will be pretty alert, sharp and feeling good if I stay awake from about 12:30 AM to 4:00 AM. Obviously the world doesn't work this way so I can't either. Any way to change this/does this flip mean anything? – Geoff Mar 16 2011 at 22:05
Mine was lowest in the early morning, when it should be highest; it was fine at all others times of the afternoon and evening. So, my mornings can be have draggy and tired. It looks like some of the things the ND suggested are working, though; I will give them another few weeks. – terrence Mar 16 2011 at 22:39
1

We use Labrix testing and blood melatonin levels to assess adrenal fatigue.

link|flag
could you elaborate, what values and relationship you look for? – tempomat Oct 29 2011 at 18:13
0

No.

. . . .

There isn't.

link|flag
Thats an awesome answer. Thanks for creating an account Chris! – Geoff Mar 16 2011 at 21:13
I thought it was that simple, Geoff, but Rooth is saying there is such a test. Sorry for the wrong info, but really, what more was there to say? Anyway, I wish you well. Take care. – Chris Palmquist Mar 16 2011 at 21:32
No problem Chris. Good luck on your next MMA fight – Geoff Mar 16 2011 at 22:13
0

Yeah there is.... email tanya@nutritionalvalues.co.uk. If you are not based in the uk she can at least tell you the name of the test to ask for and who to go to get it. I send my personal training clients to her when we hit a wall with diet and exercise and see no results, regardless of increased effort and nutrition changes.

link|flag
Robb Wolf told me that there wasn't. I asked this exact same question. I guess he either misheard the question or is misinformed on this one. – Chris Palmquist Mar 16 2011 at 21:31
0

Direct labs has a battery of tests available. Here is a link: http://goo.gl/s9PzB

link|flag
0

In my own investigation on the subject, i came up with what others have mentioned; the saliva tests: 1 x dhea-s & 4 x cortisol. Though it sounds like you have already done that one.

Two of the sites i found quite useful were; http://www.drrind.com/therapies/metabolic-symptoms-matrix & http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/

The Dr Rind site has a comprehensive signs & symptoms chart. Both sites mention some self checks you can do. The pupil test (follow second link) is quick & easy, not sure how accurate though (i am no expert on the subject). & the Dr Rind sites describes completing a temperature graph.

link|flag
0

my doc says to try phospatydle serine (SP?) once or twice a day to alter the cortisol wave. i will be trying this soon as i have similar saliva results, probably from working in the restaurant/nightclub industry for decades and adapting my circadian rhythm.. most PS supps are in 100mg dosages, so slowly ramp up until you feel an effect and continue experimenting from there. i would take it before your wired night time period in order to sleep at "normal hours".

link|flag
Just be aware that that supplement is now made from soy. It used to be made from bovine but after mad cow scare I believe that it is 100% soy. Unfortunately Im allergic to soy but I have heard good things about it. – Geoff Mar 17 2011 at 0:15
have you had an allergic reaction to 1 capsule of PS? you may be afraid or "certain" but you might think about testing that assumption. – dsohei Mar 18 2011 at 18:28

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.