Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
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Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue refers to a set of symptoms related to tiredness, fatigue, and lethargy. If you feel all of these symptoms regularly without a clear diagnosis, you may be struggling with adrenal fatigue

Unfortunately, some do not believe that this is a true condition. They claim it’s simply a collection of symptoms related to low energy and tiredness. However, they cannot find an effective treatment for this, which has led others to search for a cure. Specifically, an imbalance in the adrenal glands can cause long-term fatigue in certain patients. 

Five Journeys is here to help people in Boston and Newton, MA, learn more about adrenal fatigue and how to treat it.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

It is important to understand that adrenal fatigue is not a medically recognized condition but a term associated with a set of symptoms. These symptoms can range from extensive tiredness to sleep issues. However, more and more research is showing that it can be managed effectively when considered a unique condition.

The term “adrenal fatigue” refers to the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing essential hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. If your adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of important hormones, it could cause a range of health issues. 

If you show a range of symptoms that are not associated with any other condition, it is often deduced that those signs might be stemming from insufficient adrenal function or adrenal fatigue. These signs are often correlated with the presence of stress. 

What Are the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?

There are several symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. Some of the most common signs include but are not limited to:

  • Tiredness
  • Lack of energy
  • Mild to strong pain
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Weight loss
  • Irregular sleep
  • Hyperpigmentation or dark patches on the skin
  • Body aches

Understanding it allows you to determine if any of these symptoms could relate to insufficient adrenal function. From there, you can reach out to a qualified functional medicine doctor to manage these symptoms in the Newton and Boston areas.

How is it Diagnosed?

Since it is a rare diagnosis, it is only considered a possibility when other common causes prove inconclusive. Therefore, new patients will need to go through a variety of tests before their adrenal fatigue can be diagnosed properly. 

These diagnostic procedures may typically include blood tests and MRI scans. If your test results do not point to a specific condition, but you show an insufficiency of hormones such as cortisol, then your functional medicine doctor may diagnose that you have adrenal fatigue.

Since the understanding of adrenal fatigue is limited, you need to reach out to a qualified provider who specializes in treating this set of symptoms. This allows you to address each symptom on its own for optimal management of the issue at hand.

What is the Ideal Treatment in Newton and Boston?

To treat adrenal fatigue, your physician may consider a variety of approaches. These could range from lifestyle changes to a regular medication regimen.

Some of the most common components of an adrenal fatigue treatment plan include the following. 

  • Dietary Changes. Your doctor may ask you to cut down on sugar or add more lean meats and leafy greens. 
  • Support Supplements. Specialized hormone supplements can improve the number of hormones in your body.
  • Nutritional Supplements. This step adds nutritional supplements to your diet to improve your overall health.  

Besides these steps, your physician may also advise other approaches depending on your health and symptoms. That is why you must reach out to a qualified provider for optimal adrenal fatigue treatment in the Newton and Boston, MA, area. If you are looking to optimize your well-being and move to better health, our team is here for you.

We understand that you may be dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health matters associated with other aspects of your health. We are here to address these matters with functional medicine. 

Find Relief Through a Proper Treatment Plan

Five Journeys is a membership-based wellness organization that uses functional medicine to support the five core aspects of health (Physical, Chemical, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual). We give patients holistic treatment plans that promote vitality and wellness. 

We understand that each person’s journey is unique. Our specialty is uncovering the root cause of problems, issues, and illnesses and then helping our members solve them. We have facilitated the reversal, prevention, and resolution of many chronic health challenges.

At Five Journeys, we specialize in the management of rare diseases and conditions like adrenal fatigue. We help many patients find relief, we manage every symptom carefully. This allows you to leave these challenges behind to enjoy a healthier life. 

If you are looking for good health and well-being through functional medicine, reach out to us at Five Journeys today. To further understand adrenal fatigue and how you can treat it, do not hesitate to book your personalized consultation appointment with us today. We will be glad to listen to your concerns and guide you through an optimized treatment process.

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Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Understanding Adrenal Fatigue
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted