I cam across this article on adrenal fatigue and how to combat it. I think it is pretty relevant for all of us here- a diagnosis of CML and the low (and high) level stress that causes over the long term may impact on our ability to function. My blood count has been normal for years- at least since my SCT- but I still feel overly stressed and tired at times even though my HGB is within a very healthy range.
Some of the side effects of TKI therapy may well be due to our adrenal glands struggling to cope. I hope the article below is helpful.
Sandy
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Signs You Have Adrenal Fatigue:
Ann A Rushton
Well you are certainly not alone, and women suffer more than men from being tired, irritable and a low libido. All your hormones are affected, including progesterone and oestrogen.
What is adrenal fatigue
This whole series of non-specific symptoms has been named the 21st century disease, and it’s become so commonplace it has been recognised by the World Health Organisation.
Adrenal Fatigue occurs because the adrenals – walnut-sized glands that sit just above the kidneys – get overworked. The adrenals are expected to churn out high levels of the hormone cortisol, traditionally during short-term periods of high stress. Unfortunately we are now seeming to be in an endless stress cycle, so our adrenals can burn out and we turn to stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and alcohol to keep us going.
As well as cortisol, the adrenal glands secrete more than 50 other hormones – including progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone. The problem is that it is difficult to diagnose, rather like thyroid you will only register if a test shows you to have levels in the highest or lowest 2 per cent that you’ll be deemed ‘abnormal’.
Signs of Adrenal Fatigue
** excessive fatigue and exhaustion
** non-refreshing sleep (you get sufficient hours of sleep, but wake fatigued)
** overwhelmed by or unable to cope with stressors
** feeling run down or overwhelmed
** craving salty and sweet foods
** you feel most energetic in the evening
** not feeling rested after a full night’s sleep or sleep disturbances
** low stamina, slow to recover from exercise
** slow to recover from injury, illness or stress
** difficulty concentrating, brain fog
** poor digestion
** low immune function
** food or environmental allergies
** premenstrual syndrome or difficulties that develop during menopause
** consistent low blood pressure
** extreme sensitivity to cold
Unfortunately when we are stressed is when we also tend to make poor choices around our diet and lifestyle as we head for comfort eating, junk food and trying to hype ourselves up with too much caffeine, chocolate and sugar. The healthier options of fruit, vegetables and exercise just don’t appeal as we may feel we have too little time to cook or give ourselves a break.
What you can do
Start with the basics so first make sure you have good hormone balance as if you are oestrogen dominant that is putting an additional strain on your system. Adrenal fatigue affects the function of both progesterone and oestrogen and they need to work in synchronization with each other as checks and balances to achieve hormonal harmony. Many symptoms that arise at menopause are a response to oestrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue and low thyroid so taking some preventive measures really will helps.
Diet in this context is not about losing weight, though that can be a consequence of rebalancing with progesterone and adopting a whole food diet that is high in whole grains, oily fish, fruit and vegetables and low in sugar, fat and alcohol. REgular, enjoyable, exercise also helps as does more calming pursuits such as yoga, tai chi and meditation.
Additional supplements that are helpful include magnesium, a good high dosage B complex and a gram a day of vitamin C. Some herbs are also traditionally known to support the adrenals, the immune system and help protect the body from physical, mental or emotional stress.
Top 3 Herbs
1 Siberian Ginseng which has the ability to reduce fatigue, increase energy, and enhance mental clarity.
2 Rhodiola which is a medicinal plant used for centuries in Russia and Scandinavia to enhance immune function, and reduce fatigue.
3 Cordyceps — an East Asian extract used to promote overall good health and, more specifically, to replenish immune system function. It also appears to act as an antioxidant in the body, protecting it from free-radical damage.
Further information:
http://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2013/10/04/signs-you-have-adrenal-fati...