Are you experiencing high levels of fatigue? Do you wake up feeling foggy and un-rested

Most people expect to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and rested, however for some people a ‘good night’s sleep’ leaves them feeling just as exhausted as they were when they went to bed. While many people put this down to being tired or over-worked, it could actually be a symptom of stress-related Adrenal Fatigue. What is Adrenal Fatigue? Stress for many people has become a common part of everyday life.  Lifestyle pressures relating to work, family and finance, place us under a great deal of physical and psychological pressure and this stress can cause hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands to function below their optimal level. Decreased levels of hormones and neurotransmitters also result in changes that can impact every part of your body. This stress-related condition is known as Adrenal Fatigue and can lead to symptoms including weakened immunity and low energy levels. What are the signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue? While fatigue is the most common symptom of this condition there are a number of other symptoms that are associated with Adrenal Fatigue including:

• Waking up feeling exhausted and fatigued
• Low energy levels and poor stamina across the day
• Low mood and depression
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Hypotension – low blood pressure
• Lowered resistance to stress
• Salt cravings
• Hypoglycaemia – low sugar levels
• Lowered Immunity – prone to flu
• High intake of stimulants such as caffeine
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Poor weight control

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you could be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue. How to test for Adrenal Fatigue? By assessing cortisol, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and other adrenal hormone levels sufferers can be identified and effective therapy can commence. Lab Tests Direct’s Adrenal Fatigue Assessment is a convenient home salivary collection that evaluates the key stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. With this test you are required to collect four saliva samples throughout the same day in the convenience and comfort of your home. These samples are returned to the lab and result in the creation of a personalised report exploring your daily circadian rhythm. This profile may uncover adrenal hormone imbalances, and provide direction for clinical intervention with targeted therapeutic treatment. These treatments may include hormone therapy, nutrient and/or botanical support, as well as stress management and lifestyle interventions to improve the quality of life and potentially prevent future dysfunctional hormone production.