The Four Phases of Adrenal Failure

The body’s natural response to stress is a flood of cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones that provide a short burst of energy. This worked well for our ancestors when they encountered dangerous situations, like wild animals in the woods. But a modern lifestyle is a constant source of stress, and our overworked adrenal glands can have a hard time holding up under weeks, months, or years of pressure.

Without proper support, the adrenal system can quickly go from fatigue to failure.

FOUR PHASES OF ADRENAL FAILURE

PHASE 1: ACUTE FATIGUE

In the early stages of stress, there may be a short-term burst of energy and alertness, but a subsequent crash towards the afternoon and end of the day. Over time, day-to-day functions may start to suffer.

Symptoms:

• Early-stage stress possibly related to stress
• Cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine may be elevated
• Daytime anxiety/irritability
• Caffeine/sugar cravings
• Insomnia
• Sluggish metabolism
• Lowered sex drive

*This stage may resolve on its own.

During the 1st phase of adrenal fatigue, we recommend taking a good multivitamin like Omni Essentials. The Adrenal protocol for beginning-stage adrenal fatigue is Liposomal Calm, Vitalyze, and Stress EZ.

PHASE 2: RESISTANCE

As the adrenals begin to struggle the body produces a shortage of cortisol. This shortage results in irritability, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. The immune system and metabolism may become impaired. Libido may go down.

Symptoms:

• Adrenal glands begin to be unable to keep up with the body's demand for cortisol
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Sluggish metabolism
• Insomnia
• Low Immunity

*May be resolved through time off or stress management techniques.

During the 2nd phase of adrenal fatigue, we recommend taking a good multivitamin like Omni Essentials. The Adrenal protocol for beginning-stage adrenal fatigue is Vitalyze, Adrenal Synergy, Stress EZ, Hormone Combination, and Adrenal Support.

PHASE 3: EXHAUSTION

Once the adrenals are exhausted, fatigue and anxiety become constant. Metabolism is severely affected and weight gain results.

Symptoms:

• The body is unable to keep up with cortisol demand
• Abdominal weight gain
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Hypoglycemia post meal
• Non-restorative sleep
• Fibromyalgia; chronic fatigue
• The use of medicines to mask symptoms
• Toxin build-up

During the 3rd phase of adrenal fatigue, we recommend taking a good multivitamin like Omni Essentials. The Adrenal protocol for the exhaustion stage adrenal fatigue is Adrenal Synergy, Hormone Combination, Female/Male Stimulant, and Adrenal Support.

PHASE 4: FAILURE

As the adrenals shut down and stop working, patients experience severe symptoms like Addison's disease, the inability to make hormones, and weight gain.

Symptoms:

• The body is unable to make hormones
• Addison's disease
• The inability of the body to produce hormones
• If repairable can take up to two years to fix
• Hormone replacement therapy may be necessary

During the final phase of adrenal fatigue, we recommend taking a good multivitamin like Omni Essentials. The Adrenal protocol for final phase adrenal fatigue by DesBIo is Adrenal Synergy, Hormone Combination, Female/Male Stimulant, and Adrenal Support.