ADRENAL FATIGUE & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A recent article in The New York Times newspaper reports findings from a study in The Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Researchers measured morning cortisol levels in male and female test subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and in subjects without CFS. Although cortisol levels were unremarkable across the male subjects, the female subjects with CFS were found to have lower levels of cortisol than those without CFS.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that becomes elevated in individuals with acute stress. Cortisol elevates blood sugar levels, raises blood pressure, and suppresses the immune system to help the body cope with stress.

After prolonged periods of stress, however, the adrenal gland fatigues and is unable to produce enough cortisol. Individuals with low cortisol levels are said to have “adrenal fatigue.” Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include blood sugar dysregulation and hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, allergies, asthma, autoimmune disease and fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is one cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.

From a naturopathic perspective, having the right amount of cortisol is necessary for optimum health. At ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine, we measure cortisol levels in patients, especially those with general fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome. Our treatment strategies are focused on restoring healthy cortisol levels and include nutriceuticals, botanical medicine, acupuncture, and natural hormone therapy.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Phentermine & Long Term Weight Gain

Physician-guided weight loss centers are popping up on street corners across the nation, and were even featured in a recent Oprah magazine. Many of these clinics are making claims of rapid and extreme weight loss in very short amounts of time by prescribing restricted diets that may include low calorie foods, meal replacement drinks and supplements. At one Arizona weight loss center, practitioners advocate a cup of tomato soup for lunch and a cup of chicken soup for dinner. You may be wondering how people survive on such meager calories and limited nutrition....The answer comes in a pill.

Phentermine is a prescription weight loss medication that is similar to an amphetamine. It acts by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Phentermine increases heart rate and blood pressure and causes appetite suppression. Side effects of this drug include chest pain, heart palpitations, restlessness, elevated blood pressure, nervousness, bowel changes, headaches, insomnia, and dry mouth.

Phentermine also has a significant effect on an individual’s metabolism. Although Phentermine initially increases metabolism, we find that patients have a considerable decrease in metabolism after discontinuing the medication. Patients who have taken Phentermine in the past almost always regain the weight lost while on the drug, and have a much harder time losing weight for the rest of their lives.

ALETRIS naturopaths do not recommend rapid weight loss or the use of stimulant drugs to assist with weight loss. Naturopathic physicians advocate a whole foods diet combined with weight training and cardiovascular exercise to encourage maintainable, long-term weight loss and enhance general health and natural beauty.

To further investigate the cause of weight-loss difficulties, naturopathic physicians will evaluate labwork to find and treat the root cause of a patient’s inability to lose pounds. Common causes of weight gain and difficulty losing weight include hormone imbalance, adrenal fatigue, insulin resistance and thyroid disorder.