4 Simple Self Tests For Adrenal Fatigue

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So you think you might have adrenal fatigue?

Well in this post we are going to cover 4 simple self tests you can do at home to get closer to a definitive answer.

If you want more info on adrenal health, grab a copy of my Adrenal Fatigue Handbook, it’s jam packed with tips and tips to regain energy and vitality, fast!

So let’s dig into these self tests, give them a try and see what they reveal.

1. Pupil Test

Way back in the 1900s they didn’t have fancy lab tests so they used this simple pupil contraction test. Normally the pupil in your eye will hold a steady contraction when it is exposed to light, that means it gets smaller and it usually stays that way. But with poor adrenal function the pupil won’t hold it’s contraction.

The pupil may not contract at all, or it might contract and then quickly dilate, or it might move from contraction to the dilation. This indicates adrenal fatigue, so here’s what to do.

You will need a torch. Stand in front of a mirror in a dark room. Looking into the mirror shine the light across your eyes, not directly into them but across in front of them. Watch closely at what your pupils do to assess your adrenal status.

2. Skin Colour Test

Another cool test (though not highly accurate) they used to do back in the old days was the skin colour test. Take the end of a blunt object such as a pen, fork or spoon. Make sure it’s the blunt end, you don’t want to hurt yourself!

It is best if you have someone else help you do this so you can relax but if no one is available make sure you have a small hand mirror to use.

Lie down and get someone to scrape the blunt object across your stomach. It should go white and then turn slightly red or go back to normal fairly quickly. With poor adrenal function a white line will persist for up to 2 minutes. If you do this yourself use the mirror to take a look at what happens on your stomach.

3. Blood Pressure Test

You’ll need a blood pressure monitor for this one, so it might not be possible for everyone but it you have a digital one around

or a friend who has one, then this is a great additional test to do. With low adrenal function your postural blood pressure will get lower instead of higher like it normally does.

Lie down in a comfortable position and relax for at least 5 minutes. If you’re doing this by yourself then attach the blood pressure monitor before you get comfortable. Once you are relaxed, take your blood pressure measurement. With the electronic machines it is super easy, you just press go and it gives you the measurement.

After you get the measurement, stand up and take another measurement straight away. In a person with healthy adrenal function the blood pressure should rise, whereas with poor adrenal function it will decrease. Particularly look out for a decrease of around 10mmHg or more for the diastolic measurement, which is the bottom measurement.

Here’s a post about what systolic and diastolic blood pressure means and here’s another post about what normal blood pressure is.

4. Self Symptom Questionaire

When suffering with adrenal fatigue it can display an energy pattern that is quite common among many people so you might be able to relate to these as a self assessment strategy.

Some signs you may have adrenal fatigue include:

• If you are experiencing tiredness in the morning and need caffeine and stimulants to get you going
• If you have a slump in the afternoon between 2-4pm and need more stimulants to keep you going
• If you get your second wind around 6pm and feel more energetic at night when you are meant to wind down
• If you feel tired and exhausted all the time
• If you feel tired yet wired
• If you feel like you have to push through all the time
• If you have difficulty getting to sleep, wake up frequently, or don’t sleep well
• If you get dizzy spells when you stand from a sitting position
• Poor memory or inability to concentrate
• If you have strong cravings for sugar, refined carbohydrates and stimulants
• If you crave salty foods
• Feeling wrecked by the end of the day
• Lack of ability to stay calm
• If you feel generally rundown or overwhelmed

Give these simple home tests a try and if you find that you come out with a positive result for two or more of them, then you most likely have adrenal fatigue.

Find out detailed info about adrenal fatigue by grabbing a copy of my Adrenal Fatigue Handbook, it’s jam packed with tips and tips to regain energy and vitality, fast!

Jedha

Nutritionist

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