Q How do I tell "adrenal fatigue" apart from an actual adrenal disorder? Are there warning signs that mean I should get tested urgently?
A If darkening of the skin, lightheadedness on standing from low blood pressure, unexplained weight loss, and severe weakness or nausea occur together, it could be a real adrenal insufficiency like Addison's disease, and you must get an endocrine workup immediately. In this case, precise testing comes before any Korean medicine care.
Detailed Answer
Unlike "adrenal fatigue," true adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) is a condition that absolutely must be distinguished. If you experience darkening pigmentation of the skin and gums, lightheadedness on standing (low blood pressure), intense salt cravings, unexplained weight loss, electrolyte abnormalities like sodium and potassium imbalance, and severe weakness with nausea together, you should get endocrine testing immediately. This is a real condition that can be dangerous if left untreated.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
At Dongjedang, we also screen for these warning signs at the first visit, and if true adrenal disease is suspected, we recommend endocrine testing first. Korean medicine treatment proceeds only after this kind of disease has been ruled out and the fatigue is judged to be functional -- this sequence ensures treatment that is both safe and genuinely helpful.
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