Worn out? Exhausted? Can’t restore your energy levels to normal no matter how many doctors you've seen? You may be suffering from adrenal fatigue.

Introduction

Your energy, resilience, endurance and your very life….depend on healthy, properly functioning adrenal glands. In fact, these tiny glands located on top of the kidneys, generate survival power; helping you cope with life stressors associated with work, financial pressures, relationships, busy family schedules, injury, disease and physiological changes such as those occurring with aging.  With persistent, long term stress, the adrenal glands become weak.

Weak adrenal function was described in medical texts as far back as the 1800s. Its prevalence has grown  in part, due to significant increases in modern-day lifestyle stressors. However, it is most unfortunate that the condition is rarely diagnosed by conventional physicians who are unaware that the problem exists.

Adrenal fatigue can be reversed and energy levels can be restored to normal. Recovery begins with the right diagnosis, identification of as many underlying causes as possible and the development and implementation of a personalized treatment plan.

What happens when adrenal function is weak?

 The adrenal glands play a major role in the body’s life support mechanisms. In addition to helping us cope with all types of stress, they secrete hormones that influence all of the body’s major physiological processes.

For example they:

• affect carbohydrate and fat utilization
  
• affect distribution of stored fat (particularly around the waist)
  
• support blood sugar regulation
  
• support proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions
  
• minimize allergic reactions through the protective activity of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant hormone secretions
  
• gradually become the major source of sex hormones in aging men and women
  
• significantly affect muscular strength and stamina in muscles of athletes (commonly known as natural steroids)
  

Weak adrenal function negatively affects all of the above processes; causing a wide range of symptoms, often without obvious signs of illness. However, those affected by this disorder live with a general sense of “unwellness” or “gray” feelings. They often turn to coffee, colas and other stimulants to get going in the morning and stay propped-up during the day.

In addition, weak adrenal function (hypoadrenia) increases susceptibility to allergies, infections due to impaired immunity and arthritic pain. Mental states are also affected; presenting symptoms including increased fears, anxiety and depression, intermittent confusion, poor concentration, impaired memory and insomnia. 

Signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue

• Low energy
• Inability to fall asleep normally and sleep through the night (insomnia)
• Constantly feeling unrested even with some sleep
• Salty and sweet food cravings
• Morning exhaustion with limited afternoon perk-up
• Weight gain
• Increased body fat (especially around the waist)
• Decreased muscle mass
• Irritability
• Stress intolerance or reduced stress tolerance
• Increasing lack of interest
• Decreased libido
• Joint pain or achy joints
• Emerging allergies
• Increase in infections
• Chemical sensitivities
• Forgetfulness
• Poor concentration
• Anxiety and depression

How can I find out if I have adrenal fatigue?

In most instances, your adrenal fatigue will be missed in traditional medical practice because results from some of the standard tests are unable to be interpreted with precision. Other tests used are designed to detect markers for Addison’s disease (extremely low adrenal function) or Cushing’s Syndrome (extremely high adrenal function). So, unless you meet the criteria for either of those diseases, chances are you will not receive treatment for your adrenal dysfunction.   

However, saliva hormone testing accurately measures adrenal hormone levels. It is the “diagnostic tool of choice” for confirming adrenal fatigue at Harmony Medica.

How will my Adrenal Fatigue be treated at Medica?

At Harmony Medica, your adrenal fatigue treatment will begin with a health history review, lab tests, personalized consultation and identification of underlying causes of your chief complaints.

An individualized recovery plan including bio-identical hormone support, dietary recommendations, nutritional supplements and a follow-up plan will be developed according to your needs. You can recover from adrenal fatigue and there is no better time to start than right now.  Please call us today at 703-349-2382 to schedule a consultation.

Please call us today at 703-349-2382 to schedule your consultation. 

Anti-aging medicine is a rapidly growing, scientifically-based, medical specialty that gives hope and holds promise for “slowing down” the aging process. It focuses on prevention of chronic, degenerative diseases; thereby promoting vibrant, healthy, productive longevity for humanity.

My interest in anti-aging medicine stems from a deep passion for educating patients and offering   individualized treatment according to their needs. I am also committed to helping them become empowered to take charge of their lives by creating and living healthy lifestyles that extend the healthspan as they age.

Anti-aging medicine research has already proven that positive behavioral changes in diet, enhanced nutrition, use of pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements, regular and appropriate exercise, stress reduction and advancements in age-related disease treatments can slow down the aging process.   

Furthermore, advancements are being made daily in prevention of aging-related disorders such as Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, Type II Diabetes, Thyroid and Adrenal dysfunction, autoimmune and chronic, systemic conditions such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Radiant health and longevity for my patients are the  primary goals of my practice. I am committed to offering the highest quality patient care possible. To that end,   I provide customized wellness plans that focus on disease prevention and treatment as needed through:

• medical protocols to treat existing disorders as appropriate
  
• bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as appropriate
  
• adequate nutrition, proper rest and exercise 
  
• weight management including maintaining an appropriate Body Mass Index (BMI) to ensure balance between lean muscle, adequate body fat and proper hydration
  
• care and rejuvenation of the major detoxification organs, particularly the liver 
  
• identification of stressors, development and daily use of a stress management practice
  

Living longer and feeling better as we age is an incredibly joyful experience. As many patients begin to feel more vibrant and youthful due to their healthy lifestyles, they start exploring the aesthetic or cosmetic side of anti-aging medicine. I am also passionate about this aspect of health due to awareness of the positive affects that an improved appearance can have on an individual’s overall well-being.

My key objective in this area is to help my patients make informed choices about non-surgical, aesthetic procedures.  Again, patient education is a priority. I am trained to perform some of these procedures and treatments and offer them with an unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, integrity and, in accordance with every patient’s health status. Currently, I provide the following four non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

• Mesotherapy — An exciting approach to cellulite and “spot fat” reduction without surgery or scarring. Treatments involve the use of microinjections of natural plant extracts, vitamins and homeopathic medicines into the mesoderm (middle layer of skin). The injected nutrients dissolve fat deposits, and encourage lymphatic drainage. The process is similar to what occurs during typical weight loss when fat is broken down and toxic wastes are excreted by the kidneys and bowel.

• Dermal Fillers — Synthetic forms of biodegradable hyaluronic acid used to fill facial wrinkles, creases and for lip enhancements. They are safe, instant, long-lasting wrinkle correction alternatives to collagen fillers and dissolve naturally in the body over time.

• Botox — A quick, minimally invasive, treatment that blocks nerve impulses to reduce the movement of muscles; eventually allowing the skin surface to smoothe out. Botox is safe and effective when properly used.

• Spider Vein Therapy/Sclerotherapy — A safe, effective treatment for unwanted, visible blood vessels. Fine needle injection is used with a solution that eventually causes the blood vessel to fade and become barely noticeable.

Again, anti-aging medicine begins with disease prevention and can be enhanced with medical aesthetics. As a physician committed to providing the best for my patients, I encourage you to call my office at

703-349-2382 for more information or to schedule an appointment.