Difference Between Postpartum Tiredness And Adrenal Fatigue

Fatigue hardly strikes as something new to mothers experiencing postpartum. There are nighttime wakeups, morning rituals, and caregiving responsibilities. Playdates, housework, and other motherly obligations might still leave you groggy, even far into the postpartum period of parenting. But how can you determine if your level of postpartum fatigue is normal or indicative of anything more serious? Adrenal exhaustion may manifest as extreme postpartum weariness that interferes with daily life and doesn’t improve after giving birth. Postpartum adrenal fatigue appears to be increasingly frequent. However, until recently, very little was known about this illness, and postpartum fatigue was often considered normal.

After birth, our hormone levels begin to fluctuate significantly. Our adrenal glands & hormones may have a hard time keeping up with all these changes, as well as the energy-draining habits & stress of the final trimester. This impacts our disposition, sleep, vitality, and bodily desires.

In This Article

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

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One’s body can react negatively to stress. Postpartum adrenal fatigue is thought to be caused by the adrenal glands becoming overworked due to prolonged exposure to the pressure of either the physical or psychological variety. If hormone production is far behind, you could notice the consequences. The symptoms you describe are probably accurate, but the medical establishment has yet to identify adrenal exhaustion as an illness.

Many new mothers experience stress after giving birth. The number of things that might cause you to focus seems endless: the baby screaming, the need to rush to a doctor’s appointment, the need to prepare supper, the need to exercise, the need for sleep. This is because the pituitary gland receives a hormone released by the brain in response to stress. Cortisol, epinephrine, & norephedrine are then secreted by the gland and the other adrenals.

Commonly referred to as “the stress hormone,” cortisol plays a vital role in the body. It causes blood sugar to rise, stops unnecessary bodily activities, and encourages the body to use its tissue-repair chemicals. In fight-or-flight situations, this reaction is usually helpful. However, a hormonal imbalance might result from prolonged or highly stressful situations (such as giving birth). In addition, various symptoms may arise due to this hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Adrenal Fatigue

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New mothers often blame adrenal fatigue for feeling exhausted after giving birth. They are just overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. The main reason is that everyday stresses might generate excessive reactions, such as rushing to get the kids ready for school or an after-school activity. Extreme reactions of worry, agitation, cravings, or intense emotions are common, even in response to little stresses.

Postpartum exhaustion is common, but adrenal fatigue after giving birth can seem like more than just a shortage of sleep or the weariness of caring for a baby.

So, how long does postpartum exhaustion last? When will I feel good about life? These are questions that may plague women with untreated adrenal fatigue. However, this may provide further information. The first month after giving birth is often the worst for postpartum exhaustion. After that, two to four months saw a dramatic drop-off. But if you’ve tried everything and still feel exhausted, it may be time to consult a medical professional who can test for adrenal fatigue.

Diagnosis Of Adrenal Fatigue

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There is currently no accepted medical definition for adrenal exhaustion. For this reason, it’s essential to look for a doctor who will listen to your problems and is willing to consider the possibility of adrenal fatigue. In addition, because the symptoms might be nonspecific and shared with other disorders, it is essential to rule out other potential causes.

You may expect your doctor to do a thorough examination and rule out the following:

  • Anemia
  • Diseases or infections
  • Diseases triggered by the immune system attacking its own tissues
  • Diabetes
  • Postpartum depression

In most cases, they will wish to rule out physical and psychological disorders as possible causes of your symptoms.

Adrenal fatigue treatment varies from patient to patient. Your doctor might also want to check for vitamin deficiencies by analyzing your food intake. They may suggest changing your routine, including getting more sleep. Understandably, these challenges would be tough for a new mother.

Here are some natural approaches you may take to restore your body’s hormonal equilibrium. Always with your physician before implementing any new supplements or lifestyle changes.

1. Maintain A Proper Eating Schedule

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Mothers, after giving birth, require a substantial intake of nutrition to recover from childbirth, maintain energy levels, and start breastfeeding. Furthermore, blood sugar levels, which are affected by eating habits, might be disrupted by missing meals. Therefore, make an effort to consume nutritious, protein-rich meals consistently.

2. Get Proper Rest

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The arrival of a new baby makes this a struggle, but taking advantage of any assistance you may get is essential. Don’t beat yourself up because you’re sleeping instead of performing tasks; be bold and ask for help if needed.

3. Cuddle Your Baby

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The hormone oxytocin is released in response to nurturing behaviors such as breastfeeding and cuddling a newborn. In addition, the stress hormone has been shown to mitigate its dangerous side effects.

4. Take Supplements

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Several nutrients, including magnesium and Ashwagandha, have been hypothesized to mitigate adrenal exhaustion. You may take your time and only attempt some things at a time. Just do what you can and remember to take deep breaths now and again. You’re doing great as a parent, and that’s enough.

A few days or even weeks after delivering your baby, all your joys can transform into tiredness, and you may feel like curling up in a corner and crying, but it is normal. So make sure you take all the help you have and give yourself all the rest you need. Happy parenting!

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