Feeling wired and tired is not normal. At Glendale Whole Health we evaluate stress physiology through a functional lens and create a stepwise plan to restore energy, mood, and resilience. Many patients know this as “adrenal fatigue.” In clinical practice we focus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis and how daily stressors, sleep debt, illness, and blood sugar swings affect cortisol rhythm and mitochondrial output.
Where the term comes from
The phrase “adrenal fatigue” was first popularized by Dr. James L. Wilson, a naturopath and chiropractor, in his 1998 book Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome. He described a cluster of stress-related symptoms thought to result from overworked adrenal glands. While mainstream medicine debates the term, functional and integrative physicians recognize that stress-axis imbalance is real and measurable. We often use the more precise language of HPA axis dysregulation but we acknowledge the value of Dr. Wilson’s work in drawing attention to this underrecognized problem.
What people call “adrenal fatigue”
Adrenal fatigue is a popular term for a stress response that has gone off balance. Cortisol initially rises with stress, then may flatten or dip with chronic overdrive. Patients can feel exhausted on waking, crash in the afternoon, then feel second-wind energy at night. Salt or sugar cravings, brain fog, low stress tolerance, and weaker immune resilience are common.
Symptoms
Common
- Morning fatigue with afternoon crashes
- Evening alertness when trying to wind down
- Salt or sugar cravings
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Caffeine dependence
- Frequent colds or slower recovery
Less common
- Dizziness on standing quickly (orthostatic changes)
- Low libido
- Allergies that flare under stress
- Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
- Low blood pressure or fluctuating heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Worsening symptoms after acute stressors like surgery or infection
- Frequent urination, especially at night
Why evaluation matters
These symptoms overlap with thyroid disease, anemia, sleep apnea, post-viral fatigue, insulin resistance, and perimenopause. Careful evaluation prevents guesswork and allows a targeted plan.
How we evaluate
- History and timeline
Stressors, infections, trauma, overtraining, illness recovery, daily rhythm patterns - Physical exam
Blood pressure, pulse, weight distribution, orthostatic response - Conventional labs
CBC, CMP, ferritin and iron studies, B12 and folate, TSH with free T4 and free T3, fasting insulin and glucose, HbA1c, CRP - Functional medicine labs
- Cortisol rhythm testing (saliva or dried urine at multiple points in the day)
- DHEA-S for adrenal reserve
- Organic acids test (OAT) for mitochondrial stress and nutrient demand
- GI stool testing to rule out infections, malabsorption, and microbiome imbalances
- Nutrient panels (zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, essential fatty acids, amino acids)
- Total Tox Burden or heavy metal testing when exposures are suspected
Our treatment pillars
- Stress rhythm reset
Morning light exposure, sleep timing, nervous system downshift practices - Glycemic stability
Protein with meals, balanced fiber, steady minerals - Targeted nutraceuticals
Vitamin C, B-complex, magnesium, electrolytes, adaptogens when appropriate - Mind-body support
Yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, restorative movement - Medication or referral
Coordinated care if thyroid, autoimmune, sleep, or mental health conditions are uncovered
What to expect
- Intake and testing plan
We review symptoms, daily energy patterns, and history, then decide on appropriate lab work - Report of findings
We explain whether your pattern is hypo, hyper, or mixed, then outline a phased plan - Personalized program
Nutrition, sleep and stress strategies, supplement plan, adaptogens as appropriate - Follow up and course-correct
Regular check-ins and lab monitoring to track progress
Self-care starters while you wait for your visit
- Get morning daylight within 30 minutes of waking
- Include protein at breakfast and lunch
- Keep caffeine before noon only
- Build a daily 10-minute practice for relaxation and nervous system reset
FAQs
Is there a prescription for adrenal fatigue
No single medication treats this pattern. Care includes lifestyle changes, nutrition, and personalized supplementation.
How long until I feel better
Many patients feel steadier in 2–6 weeks when consistent with nutrition, sleep, and minerals. Deeper repair continues for several months.
Do you use adaptogens
Yes, when they fit your presentation and do not interfere with medications.
Ready to reclaim your energy
Call (818) 551-0464 or request an appointment. We are at 230 N Maryland Avenue, Suite 110, Glendale, CA 91206.