Do I Have Adrenal Fatigue?

adrenal fatigue1The adrenal glands produce a number of hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol is our stress (“fight or flight”) hormone. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the body is under chronic stress and the adrenals are unable to keep pace with the demands of a constant fight- or- flight state of arousal. Thus, the adrenals do not function at their optimal state – they are unable to produce enough of the hormones you need to feel your best.

Signs of adrenal fatigue include: difficulty arising in the morning, continued fatigue, lack of energy, craving salty foods, decreased libido, difficulty coping with stress, increased PMS symptoms, difficulty focusing (brain fog), and decreased productivity.

To heal adrenal fatigue, it is crucial to decrease stress levels and optimize your health. This can be achieved by eating a whole food diet, avoiding processed foods, and keeping a regular sleep schedule – preferably 8 hours. The following supplements are also beneficial: B complex, vitamin D, vitamin C, adrenal support or licorice root, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida. Dr. Hermann offers patient care for adrenal fatigue as well as acupuncture, comprehensive vitamin testing and food sensitivity testing. Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedual an appointment.

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, or “low T” occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone.  It is also referred to as hypogonadism.  Signs and symptoms of  low testosterone include:  fatigue, lack of energy, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, low libido and a decrease in beard and body hair growth.   Laboratory blood tests are used to make the diagnosis of hypogonadism.  If your levels are found to be low, you and your physician will determine the best course of treatment.  Testosterone can be replaced in numerous ways including via: gel, cream, injections or a patch.

Replacement therapy can also be achieved with the use of bio-identical hormones that are compounded in a pharmacy, or with pellets that are placed under the skin.

Dr. Anne Hermann offers testing and replacement therapy for low testosterone to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

How Do Neurotransmitters Affect Mental and Physical Functioning?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that control communication between neurons (nerve cells).  When neurotransmitter levels are out of balance, such communication can be altered and a wide variety of clinical symptoms can result.  These effects can be both physical, emotional.  Mood, mental performance, and energy level can all be affected.  Resulting symptoms can include:  anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, inability to concentrate, and appetite changes.

Dr. Anne Hermann is a holistic internal medicine physician who offers a wide array of specialty laboratory testing to her patients.  Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Do I Have Hypothyroidism?

If you have hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone.  Hypothyroidism is more common in women, especially over the age of 60.  Left untreated, underactive thyroid may result in obesity, heart disease and joint pain.   When the thyroid is not functioning properly, the hormonal reactions in your body may be affected.  Symptoms of underactive thyroid include:  fatigue, constipation, cold sensitivity, dry skin, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches, joint pain and depression.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck.  Thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).  These hormones affect all aspects of metabolism in your body.  Your doctor will order blood tests to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly.  If you are found to have hypothyroidism, the hormones can be replaced with daily synthetic or natural replacement medication.  Treatment is usually lifelong; your physician will order periodic thyroid hormone levels to assess for any needed dosage changes.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive thyroid testing and treatment management to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Why Am I So Fatigued?

 

Fatigue is a commonly mentioned symptom of many diseases and illnesses.  Persistent fatigue can be debilitating,  and has a negative effect on one’s quality of life.  Fatigue may be an early warning sign of food intolerance or sensitivity.  Usually, the fatigue is worse in the early morning, and will occur with other symptoms such as migraines, eczema or irritable bowel syndrome.

Researchers have theorized that sensitivities to foods may produce fatigue as part of a generalized immune reaction.   The chronic inflammatory response or immune reaction overburdens our bodies.  This leads to oxidative stress, which in turn affects the mitochondria or energy –producing parts of our cells.  Thus, excessive fatigue ensues.  Once the offending foods are eliminated, most patients experience immediate improvement in their energy level.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Pete Beach, Florida.  Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.