5. Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
Nausea is the urge to vomit. The feeling can be short-lived or prolonged depending on the cause of the sensation. Prolonged bouts of nausea, such as seasickness, can be debilitating. Nausea originates from a disorder in the brain or the organs of the upper GI tract. Diseases to organs and glands outside of the gastrointestinal system, such as Addison’s, also contribute to feelings of nausea.
The hormonal deficiencies in the body during the early stages of adrenal dysfunction can initiate feelings of nausea. It is also possible to induce the condition with specific odors and fragrances. The sense of smell changes when cortisol levels are too low. Reactions in the gut to displeasing smells will start a chain reaction creating feelings of nausea.
You can expect bouts of nausea to strike in the late afternoon and evening. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning during the initial stages of Addison’s disease.