01 Feb

Jennifer Bala on struggling to conceive due to adrenal fatigue

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Jennifer Bala.
Jennifer Bala.
Jennifer Bala Instagram

Musician Loyiso Bala and his wife, Jennifer Bala, recently announced that they’re expecting an additional member to their family of four – their third baby.

In two posts, Jeniffer shared pictures of herself cradling her growing baby bump and made the announcement.

READ MORE | Zikhona Sodlaka announces her pregnancy

“2020 + 1,” she wrote.

In another post, the mother to two girls - Kenzie and Tori – revealed that the baby she is expecting is a miracle baby since she had been struggling to conceive after being diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and suffering with internal inflammation amongst other things.

“Our miracle baby - the fact that God blessed us with new life in the midst of devastation where people around us are losing loved ones by the dozen, is not lost on me; I’m extremely grateful,” she began.

READ MORE | Baby-bumping in style

“Falling pregnant has never been easy for me, but that’s a story for another day. I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, a vitamin D3 deficiency, internal inflammation, also around my heart, extreme hormone imbalances and high cortisol levels, just weeks before I fell pregnant naturally, so it’s an absolute miracle! Moreso at my ripe young age…,” she continued.

Healthline describes adrenaline fatigue as a condition that occurs when one suffers from chronic stress and adrenal insufficiency. This results in your adrenal glands releasing cortisol. The cortisol responds to a slowed-down immune system and a change in blood pressure.

When you experience chronic stress or anxiety, your adrenal glands may not produce enough cortisol. This is called adrenal insufficiency, which can be medically diagnosed.

According to Reproductive Wellness, adrenal fatigue can affect a woman’s fertility because it lowers progesterone and the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GNRH), which are both necessary for reproduction.

READ MORE | How sleep and alcohol affects your chances of conception

Adrenaline fatigue also negatively affects the thyroid function and increases sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) - a protein that binds testosterone.

Signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include:
  • Fatigue
  • Body aches
  • unexplained weight loss
  • low blood pressure
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of body hair
  • skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation)

Source: the Mayo Clinic

We are ecstatic for the Bala family and commend Jennifer for sharing her story!

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