Blood tests came back "normal," but I have CFS-like symptoms. Could my issues be adrenal related?

Sorry to bother you, but I don’t have much money to keep spending on doctors here. I've got all my blood tests and imaging done, but all came back normal, except my ANA is positive at 1:160 and ferritin at 370.60 ng/ml. My classic symptoms all fall under adrenal exhaustion such as lightheadedness when getting up, being awake between 3-5am, crashing right after stress, cold feet/hands, feeling better on a high-protein diet (otherwise I get drowsy). Does my symptom of lightheadedness suggest hypotension related to adrenal dysfunction? (My BP will fall between 105/70 then after some time 120/80). Is elevated ferritin related to suboptimal adrenals too?

God Bless, Doctor.

Answer

The ANA at 1:160 is usually normal. If the iron percent saturation is over 45%, then your doctor will want to address whether your iron levels are too high, though I suspect a ferritin of 370 would not be enough to cause chronic fatigue syndrome- or fibromyalgia-like symptoms. More commonly, a blood test called a sedimentation rate is elevated, suggesting inflammation, which could be causing the ferritin level to be elevated. The other symptoms are very common with CFS and fibromyalgia.

What I would recommend is to read the book From Fatigued to Fantastic, and also do the free Energy Analysis Program, which will be available around the end of October (you can email customerservice@vitality101.com for more information on the program). This can better address what you can do to feel better.

Love and blessings,

Dr. T