7 Common Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience imbalanced hormone levels, affecting virtually every aspect of their bodies. Our hormones are the conductors of the body. They control everything from our mood and our menstrual cycles to our skin health and metabolism! There are different types of PCOS that impact Cysters in different ways and present different symptoms. One of those types is Adrenal Fatigue, which is PCOS affecting primarily your hormone production. 

This PCOS type (which is 1 of 4) is when hormone levels produced by the adrenal glands are a little out of whack. This causes symptoms like stress, anxiety, excess facial and body hair growth, and fatigue. Knowing what kind of PCOS you have and where your symptoms are coming from is a key first step in healing your condition. So, to help you determine what type of PCOS you have, let’s get into the common adrenal symptoms:

7 Common Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

The world of PCOS is complex and can be confusing to navigate. There are different forms and symptoms of PCOS that millions of women experience. In this blog post, I’m doing a deep dive into symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue to help you recognize and identify if this might be the main type of PCOS you’re experiencing. I won’t leave you hanging with just the symptoms, though! I’m also sharing ways to reduce or even make your symptoms disappear with some sustainable lifestyle steps. 

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue is a type of PCOS that affects adrenal function and androgen production. Your adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys and produce hormones like cortisol (stress hormones) and androgens (male hormones). These hormones can affect your mood, reproductive health, appearance, energy levels, weight, and so much more. 

With Adrenal Fatigue, there is often high cortisol production and excess androgens from the adrenal glands. Over time, the adrenal glands and kidneys can’t keep up with the demand for cortisol, leading to fatigue and lots of unpleasant symptoms. The cortisol can also lead to other imbalances of your sex hormones and issues with your metabolism and gut. Getting control of hormone balance, especially stress, is essential for reversing this PCOS type!

What are the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?

Acne

Having excess male hormones in the body could cause excess sebum production that clogs pores and leads to acne and oily skin. You can tell when you’re experiencing hormonal acne because it will likely appear on your jawline, chin, and upper back.  

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is excess hair growth on the face, chest, arms, and back. Elevated androgens like DHEA can stimulate hair follicles, which leads to thicker, darker hair growth. One of the most common signs of hirsutism in women with PCOS is dark hair on the upper lip. 

Hair Loss

It might sound contradictory, but adrenal PCOS can also cause thinning hair or hair loss. Although, this mostly affects the hair on your head. You’ll notice more strands of hair falling out when you wash or brush it. You might even see some male-pattern baldness at the top of the head. This is due to imbalanced DHT hormone levels, which are produced by the adrenal glands. 

Irregular Periods

One of the most common symptoms in all types of PCOS is irregular menstrual cycles. This actually comes from imbalances of sex hormones like high testosterone, high estrogen, and low progesterone.

Weight Gain

High cortisol levels can also contribute to insulin resistance in PCOS, another type of PCOS. This is when the body cannot properly process glucose and stabilize blood sugar levels, and instead, it holds onto it as fat, specifically around the abdomen. Women with PCOS may experience rapid weight gain and difficulty losing weight. 

Fatigue

One question I get a lot is, can PCOS make you tired? The answer is a resounding YES! When it comes to this PCOS type, fatigue is one of the main symptoms you’ll experience due to elevated stress hormone levels, which leads to adrenal fatigue. Your body will struggle to maintain energy levels throughout the day, leaving you feeling tired, especially in the afternoons or even in the morning after a restful night’s sleep.

High Blood Pressure

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can lead to high blood pressure. High cortisol can affect how the body balances water and sodium levels. (Side note: Adrenal Fatigue can also cause you to crave salty food!) This means your body retains more water and experiences increased pressure in the blood vessels. 

How to Manage Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

Reduce stress. 

One of the main culprits of Adrenal Fatigue symptoms is high cortisol levels, which causes chronic stress. The best and most effective way to lower your cortisol is through stress management techniques. My personal favorite ways to reduce stress are through meditation, daily walks outside, yoga, and breathing exercises. Diving into your favorite creative hobbies, spending less time scrolling on your screens, or reading a book can also help you manage daily stress. 

Eat a PCOS-friendly diet.

Our nutrition affects every aspect of our bodies and health. You can even use your diet to reverse PCOS! As a registered dietitian, I recommend Cysters follow an anti-inflammatory gluten- and dairy-free diet to balance their hormones. This doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite foods, though! Check out The Cysterhood app for PCOS-friendly recipes of your favorite meals that satisfy your craving and target the root causes of the hormonal imbalances in your PCOS body. 

Practice low-impact workouts. 

Daily exercise with slow-weighted workouts and low-impact exercises like lifting weights, yoga, pilates, and walking is another great way to manage adrenal fatigue symptoms. Unlike high-intensity workouts, these exercises will not trigger a cortisol spike. So, you’ll get the benefit of daily movement while also managing your stress and even working towards losing weight. Don’t forget to take 1 minute breaks between each set!

Check out my PCOS-friendly workouts on The Cysterhood app for specific exercises to add to your routine! 

Take helpful supplements. 

While adding these lifestyle changes can definitely help manage your PCOS symptoms, adding the right supplements could give your body the extra boost it needs. Even with a balanced diet, it can be difficult to get ALL the nutrients your PCOS body needs. 

Taking supplements like omega-3, vitamin D, and magnesium are all super helpful in getting your adrenal hormones in check. After researching these supplements, I’ve made sure to include them in my NSF-certified Metabolism Plus bundle, packed with everything you need to heal your PCOS body and its symptoms. Another beneficial supplement for hormonal imabalane is Ovasitol, which you can also find through Ovafit! Here’s more on why Ovasitol is great for hormone balance! 

Reduce your Adrenal Fatigue symptoms and heal your body naturally! 

Adrenal Fatigue can leave you feeling like you are not in control of your body. If you’re tired of feeling fatigued, dealing with excess hair growth, losing hair, and struggling with your weight and cravings, I am here to help! 

One of the best ways to manage your PCOS symptoms is through the Ovafit Metabolism Plus bundle, Ovasitol powder, and Testosterone Relief Tea. Crafted with the ideal vitamins, minerals, and herbs, these products can help you start feeling in control of your body again and relieve your PCOS symptoms once and for all. Combined with the other lifestyle changes you read here, you can truly live with PCOS like its nothing!