Stages of Adrenal Exhaustion

There are three stages of adrenal exhaustion which include:
Stage 1

The first stage, which is called hyper-adrenalism, is characterised by abnormally high cortisol levels and low DHEA levels. High cortisol may cause poor sleep, sugar cravings, confusion, weight gain, hot flushes, water retention, glucose intollerance and muscle wasting. Cortisol also decreases serotonin and melatonin levels which may cause depression and insomnia, respectively. It is also an immunosuppressive which may result in a compromised immune system resulting with frequent infections and illness.

HIgh cortisol also can inhibit the metabolism of T4, a thyroid prohormone produced by the thyroid gland, into its active T3 form. This can create a thyroid hormone imbalance known as reverse T3 dominance which can further exacerabate your adrenal symptoms.
Stage 2

During stage two DHEA remains low while cortisol supplies will hover in the low-normal range leaving you feeling tired and stressed, but functional.
Stage 3

During stage 3 cortisol finally falls to low levels throughout most of the day just like DHEA leaving you with low adrenal function.