OK, forgive me if something similar has been posted here lately... I've read so many things, I don't remember. I'm sure this has been mentioned among all the DIM threads...
ANYWAY, I didn't realize 'til just now how crucial proper adrenal function is to having balanced hormones. As I'd much rather get to the root of my problems than rely on any supplement long-term, I'm going to work on restoring my adrenal function.
It seems like getting to sleep early is one of the most crucial things, as well as decreasing stress.
I just read this and I can't believe how much of it applies to me!
Common Causes Of Adrenal Stress
Anger
Fear
Worry/anxiety
Depression
Guilt
Overwork/physical or mental strain
Excessive exercise
Sleep deprivation
Light-cycle disruption
Going to sleep late)
Surgery
Trauma/injury
Chronic inflammation
Chronic infection
Chronic pain
Temperature extremes
Toxic exposure
Malabsorption
Maldigestion
Chronic illness
Chronic-severe allergies
Hypogycemia
Nutritional deficiencies
Associated Symptoms And Consequences Of Impaired Adrenals
Low body temperature
Weakness
Unexplained hair loss
Nervousness
Difficulty building muscle
Irritability
Mental depression
Difficulty gaining weight
Apprehension
Hypoglycemia
Inability to concentrate
Excessive hunger
Tendency towards inflammation
Moments of confusion
Indigestion
Poor memory
Feelings of frustration
Alternating diarrhea and constipation
Osteoporosis
auto-immune hepatitis
auto-immune diseases
Lightheadedness
Palpitations [heart fluttering]
Dizziness that occurs upon standing
Poor resistance to infections
Low blood pressure
Insomnia
Food and/or inhalant allergies
PMS
Craving for sweets
Dry and thin skin
Headaches
Scanty perspiration
Alcohol intolerance
The adrenal glands are probably one of the most influential and powerful glands in the body. Ironically, one of the smallest. I think they should be called another vital ORGAN!--the function they perform are just as important as your lungs brain and liver, IMO. They can give you the boost you need, but they can also kill you as in my case. I had an overproduction of adrenal hormones and acquired Cushing's syndrome as a result--I didn't know it until 1 1/2 yrs ago, but thankfully I am cured and on my way to recovery. But just as much as they can produce so much hormone, they can also deplete--such is the case of Adrenal Insuficiency and you DEFINITELY don't want to have that. I had it once and it wasn't pretty. You don't have to have adrenal disease to acquire it, extreme stress for prolonged periods can definitely play a part. Definitely cut that out of your life. And yes, licorice does help and it is reccommended to adrenally insuficient patients.
The hardest part for me will be getting to sleep early. I have pretty bad insomnia (ironically that is a symptom of adrenal fatigue). So, how to break the cycle??? 
But one thing I know helps me sleep at night is exercising during the day (especially outside). I don't do it normally because I'm lazy and it's cold out, LOL. I need to just start forcing myself to do it though.
The hardest part for me will be getting to sleep early. I have pretty bad insomnia (ironically that is a symptom of adrenal fatigue). So, how to break the cycle???
But one thing I know helps me sleep at night is exercising during the day (especially outside). I don't do it normally because I'm lazy and it's cold out, LOL. I need to just start forcing myself to do it though.
The hardest part for me will be getting to sleep early. I have pretty bad insomnia (ironically that is a symptom of adrenal fatigue). So, how to break the cycle???
But one thing I know helps me sleep at night is exercising during the day (especially outside). I don't do it normally because I'm lazy and it's cold out, LOL. I need to just start forcing myself to do it though.
50-100mg 5htp
1-3mg of Melatonin
500mg Valerain
Chamomile/pepper mint tea
Take this before bed and when you wake up go outside to stop producing melatonin. When your circadian clock starts working on its own drop the 5htp and Melatonin, valarian mix. You should be able to get your sleep cycles under controllike this. Also Meditation daily helps sleep!
Thanks jodiat!
"The Mood Cure" is a great book regarding this. I believe it saved me alot of "feeling around in the dark" for an answers to some of my problems. The protocols are easy to follow and worked well for me.
Do you mean in regards to insomnia? Or adrenal fatigue?
Thread on vitamin C and the adrenals.
How does one know if they have an adrenal problem? That list could cover any ailment. I don't know many people that can't answer yes to a lot of those ailments. Is there a certain test one can take?
Good question. I know there are blood tests you can get through your doctor... but I have read it is not as accurate as saliva testing. I don't know if that is actually true, though. I'm trying to read more about it now.
I don't think you can do saliva testing through your doctor, but you can order tests online, like here: http://www.johnleemd.com/store/prod_stest.html . The 2 cortisol tests would help to determine if you have healthy adrenals or not, but the Adrenal Function Test would be the most ideal one to get.
I don't know if I will bother to get any tests. For me, I think it's pretty safe to say I have some level of adrenal dysfunction given my horrible sleeping habits for the last several years, the fact that I am constantly stressed, etc. But I am not going to be taking a ton of supplements or anything. Mostly just working on sleep and stress, maybe taking a couple of supps like vitamin C which can't hurt.
Thread on vitamin C and the adrenals.
I think this is pretty much the reason for most of my problems.
I developed hirsutism a year or two ago, and I never knew this before but apparently estrogen dominance/ progesterone deficiency can cause hirsutism!
So adrenal fatigue, plus excess/bad estrogens from the environment, can both cause progesterone deficiency... which can cause acne, hirsutism, insomnia, anxiety/depression..... all of which I have.
Edit: Oh, and menstrual cramps! I get SEVERE cramps, and that can be a symptom too.
I think this is pretty much the reason for most of my problems.
I developed hirsutism a year or two ago, and I never knew this before but apparently estrogen dominance/ progesterone deficiency can cause hirsutism!
So adrenal fatigue, plus excess/bad estrogens from the environment, can both cause progesterone deficiency... which can cause acne, hirsutism, insomnia, anxiety/depression..... all of which I have.
I think this is pretty much the reason for most of my problems.
I developed hirsutism a year or two ago, and I never knew this before but apparently estrogen dominance/ progesterone deficiency can cause hirsutism!
So adrenal fatigue, plus excess/bad estrogens from the environment, can both cause progesterone deficiency... which can cause acne, hirsutism, insomnia, anxiety/depression..... all of which I have.
Oh yes, it is surely related. Are you using progesterone cream? It is supposed to do wonders for hirsutism.
please read this and look close at the table.
http://www.drrind.com/scorecard.asp
interesting and helpful.
That is helpful, jodiat. Thanks.
Found this there, for those wondering about getting tested for it:
The typical condition is not severe enough to be picked up with standard test which are designed only to pick up the most severe adrenal fatigue. As the individual is heading in that direction, the standard blood tests will not pick up this transition but the symptoms become quite noticeable with anxiety, cold hands or cold intolerance, poor and/or un-refreshing sleep heading the list of probable symptoms.
please read this and look close at the table.
http://www.drrind.com/scorecard.asp
interesting and helpful.