7 Signs of Adrenal Dysfunction and What to Do Next

Your adrenal glands are small, but mighty, regulating hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that help you respond to stress, balance your metabolism, and support energy and immunity. When they’re out of sync, your entire system can feel off-kilter.

Let’s explore 7 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your adrenals may be calling for support and what steps you can take to restore harmony in your body.

1. You Wake Up Exhausted, Even After a Full Night’s Sleep

The Sign: You sleep 7-9 hours but still feel like you're dragging through the day.
Why It Matters: Cortisol is naturally highest in the morning. Dysregulated levels can lead to a “flatline” energy curve.
What to Do: Incorporate natural morning light, eat a protein-rich breakfast within 60 minutes of waking, and avoid caffeine first thing.

2. Cravings for Salt or Sugar

The Sign: You’re constantly reaching for chips, crackers, or candy.
Why It Matters: When cortisol and aldosterone (another adrenal hormone) dip, your body seeks quick energy or mineral support.
What to Do: Support your adrenals with mineral-rich foods (sea salt, kelp, bone broth) and blood sugar balance (healthy fats, fiber, protein).

3. Feeling Wired But Tired at Night

The Sign: Your body is exhausted, but your brain won’t turn off.
Why It Matters: This may indicate a cortisol spike at night when levels should naturally decline.
What to Do: Limit screens 2 hours before bed, establish a wind-down ritual, and consider magnesium or adaptogens like ashwagandha.

4. Midday Energy Crashes

The Sign: You hit a wall around 2–3 PM and can’t focus.
Why It Matters: Cortisol and glucose levels may be dropping too fast after lunch.
What to Do: Eat small, balanced meals throughout the day. Include slow-burning carbs (quinoa, sweet potato) and anti-inflammatory proteins.

5. Reliance on Stimulants to Get Through the Day

The Sign: You can’t function without multiple coffees or energy drinks.
Why It Matters: This masks the underlying adrenal fatigue and further strains your nervous system.
What to Do: Gradually reduce caffeine, hydrate deeply, and support mitochondrial energy production (B vitamins, CoQ10, NAC).

6. Frequent Illness or Slow Recovery

The Sign: You catch every cold going around or stay sick longer than most.
Why It Matters: Chronic stress impairs immune function and depletes your body’s ability to repair.
What to Do: Prioritize rest, add immune-nourishing herbs (reishi, astragalus), and assess for nutrient deficiencies (vitamin C, zinc, D).

7. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Brain Fog

The Sign: You feel emotionally reactive, forgetful, or “not like yourself.”
Why It Matters: Adrenal dysfunction often disrupts neurotransmitter balance and HPA axis signaling.
What to Do: Explore breathwork, nervous system regulation practices, and get a full hormone panel to guide care.

What to Do Next:

If these signs feel familiar, know that you’re not broken, you’re burned out. And healing is possible. At Birdsong Medical Centre, we offer:

• BIRDSONG Preventative MRI + Full Labs

• Mind-Body Coaching

• Frequency-Based Stress Reset Tools

• IV Therapy for Burnout Recovery

Let us walk beside you on your healing journey. Your body’s whispers are worth listening to.

Book a Discovery Call today or stop by with a Day Pass to explore how we can support your adrenal rebalance from the inside out.