Wondering if the low energy and chronic fatigue you are experiencing could be adrenal fatigue? Today, I will be sharing a simple at home adrenal fatigue test. However, please keep in mind that the best diagnosis is one that looks at the whole picture. For example, a range of tests and an assessment of symptoms and physiological signs such as iris contraction, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
This requires some patience on your part and a practitioner that has experience and thorough knowledge of the various systems of the body.
The Iris Contraction Adrenal Fatigue Test
This test measures your body’s stamina to respond to light.
What You Need:
o A weak flashlight or penlight (make sure it’s not too bright)
o Time device with seconds
o A mirror
o A dark room or closet
o A chair
Step by Step Instructions:
Go into a dark room or closet and stay there a few minutes to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark. Your pupils (the dark circle in the center of your eye) will dilate (open) fully
Shine the flashlight to the side of the eye (avoid shining it directly)
Keep the light shining for about 30 seconds (use the other eye to look in the mirror). The pupil should contract in response to the light.
Normally the pupil would remain contracted in the light, but if you suffer from adrenal fatigue the pupil will not be able to stay contracted and will dilate (open back up). Or it will waver between contracted and relaxed or contract at first, but then dilate (open) after 10-30 seconds.
This dilation should take place within 2 minutes and will last for about 30-45 seconds before it recovers and contracts again.
Use your time device and see how long the dilation lasts.
Take notes for your records and test every few weeks of your healing journey. As you recover, the iris will hold its contraction and the pupil will remain small for longer.
If you have trouble doing this adrenal fatigue test alone, as a friend or your partner for help.
Now what?
If the iris contraction adrenal fatigue test suggests the likelihood of adrenal fatigue, we recommend taking the saliva test as soon as possible.
This test is done in the convenience of your own home using a simple test kit. It involves you spitting into a tube several times a day and then sending them off to a lab for analysis. The test analyzes your cortisol levels throughout the course of a 24-hour cycle.
Now we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. What are your burning questions? What do you need support with? You’re not alone, so reach out and your comments or questions could help someone else on their healing journey. So take a moment now to drop us a line below.