Adrenal Insufficiency – What It Is and How to Manage It

Ever felt wiped out after a short walk or noticed a sudden craving for salty snacks? Those could be clues that your adrenal glands aren’t making enough cortisol. Adrenal insufficiency, sometimes called adrenal fatigue, happens when the glands can’t keep up with the body’s demand for hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. The condition can be mild or severe, but the good news is that simple changes and proper medical care can make a big difference.

Common Signs You Might Notice

Symptoms often show up slowly, so you might not connect the dots right away. Look out for:

• Constant tiredness that doesn’t improve after sleep.
• Headaches, especially in the morning.
• Cravings for salty foods or feeling dizzy when you stand up.
• Darkening of the skin in places that get sun, like elbows and knees.
• Unexplained weight loss or a feeling of being “off” after meals.

If you notice a bunch of these together, it’s worth talking to a doctor. Blood tests can check cortisol levels, and an ACTH stimulation test is the gold standard for confirming adrenal insufficiency.

Practical Ways to Support Your Adrenals

While you wait for test results or after you get a diagnosis, these everyday steps can help your adrenals stay on track:

• Balanced meals: Aim for protein, healthy fat, and complex carbs at each meal. A handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, and some lean meat keep blood sugar steady.
• Salt wisely: If you’re low on aldosterone, a moderate increase in natural salt (like a pinch of sea salt in food) can reduce dizziness.
• Stress management: Quick breathing tricks, a short walk, or a few minutes of meditation lower the demand on your cortisol production.
• Sleep hygiene: Dark, cool rooms and a consistent bedtime help reset your hormone rhythm.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration makes the adrenals work harder. Aim for 2‑3 liters of water daily, more if you sweat a lot.

If a doctor prescribes hormone replacement, follow the dosage exactly and take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but regular check‑ups are key to tweaking the dose.

Remember, adrenal insufficiency isn’t something you have to live with silently. Spotting the signs early, getting tested, and adding a few lifestyle tweaks can keep you feeling more like yourself. Got more questions? Dive into our other articles on cortisol, hormone balance, and managing chronic fatigue for a deeper look.