The connection between adrenal fatigue, weight gain, and CFS

When under chronic stress the adrenal glands become fatigued and in order to conserve energy the body down regulates energy production. One of the ways it does this is by decreasing the amount of T-3 and T4 and increasing Thyroid Binding Globulin (which binds to free T-3 and T-4 leaving less to enter cells for energy production). Another pathway the body uses to down regulate energy production to enhance survival is to shunt remaining T-4 to the production of inactive reverse T-3 (rT-3) which acts as a braking system and opposes the function of T-3. This may continue even after the stress has passed and the adrenals go back to normal function. In short, lab tests may show “normal’ T-3, T-4 but the symptoms of hypothyroidism remain. This is secondary hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, depression, impaired memory, thinning hair, changes in menstrual cycle.......