“B” came to my office several years ago barely able to walk, in fact she used crutches due to severe back pain. B had a long history of back pain, now retired she wanted a more active lifestyle without pain or the constant sense of vulnerability surrounding her spine. It took some time but gradually her body got stronger, the pain subsided and she gained confidence in her ability to garden and exercise. B is an good example of how I help people transition from an injured/pain status to someone engaged in wellness/fitness.
When I work with clients over a span of years I get to know them in many ways: their likes/dislikes, their moods and behaviors. Each session I assess my client’s movement, attentiveness and energy level. I like to work with where they’re “at” as opposed to pushing them into a place they may not have the energy or desire to be at that moment.
For several months this year (2013) B was showing up for her fitness sessions tired, under the weather and unable to get herself motivated. Small aches and pains were discouraging her too, her physical world was getting small again. I had to dial back on her exercise routine, it was obvious she just couldn’t handle the stress of exercise. We talked about diet, emotions, the aging process – she felt good about where she was in her life. In her 60’s B is smart and proactive about health care and wellness, reading health related research and keeping current on health trends/studies. Something wasn’t right. We agreed she needed to see a doctor about her symptoms.
Chronic fatigue, adrenal depletion, hormonal imbalance – there are several names for a collection of symptoms that often fly under the radar diagnostically of many doctors. The research into the broad collection symptoms is scant and opinions vary. Evidence based medical practices want quantifying research and data to prove/disprove a theory, course of treatment or medicinal procedure/intervention is statistically relevant or quackery. Even though the research is lacking and while many doctors and health care practitioners dismiss the concept of chronic fatigue/hormonal imbalance there are doctors and health care practitioners other who believe the opposite.
Curious about the hormonal imbalance theory B sought out a MD with experience diagnosing and treating these conditions. After a thorough review of her health history and blood work it was determined certain hormonal levels were indeed low. The corrective treatment involved taking several nutritional supplements all available at a local health food store.
Since starting her supplement regime B’s energy level has improved. She is able to work out at a higher level of intensity for a longer period of time and her overall mood is more optimistic as well.
The aging process, stress (environmental/emotional/psychological), poor nutrition, excessive exercise all play apart in the body’s hormonal regulatory process. Here is a series of articles about the adrenal glands and hormonal imbalances I found informative.
