Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

Adrenal glands are triangular-shaped glands that lie above the kidneys. These glands are responsible for the production of essential hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and catecholamines (adrenaline and noreadrenaline). Basically, adrenal glands control the body's response to stress.

If these glands are unable to perform their functions, it could give rise to a host of untoward effects. The medical community doesn't recognize adrenal fatigue as a medical condition. It refers to a collection of symptoms that are attributed to poor adrenal gland function in individuals affected by long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress.

According to the supporters of this theory, adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands lose their ability to produce the required amount of cortisol or other steroidal hormones.

Adrenal fatigue should not be confused with adrenal insufficiency, which is a recognized medical condition that is caused by damage to the adrenal glands or a problem with the pituitary gland (pea-sized gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol). The causes and symptoms of these conditions are listed out in the following sections.

Stress is the main cause of adrenal fatigue, and prolonged mental or physical stress could occur due to a wide range of reasons. For instance, a person affected by a chronic illness, recurring infections, or emotional stress due to unhealthy relationships, stressful job, financial problems, etc., could become susceptible to adrenal fatigue.

Under such circumstances, he/she is likely to experience:

➻ Feeling tired for no reason
➻ Having trouble getting up in the morning, even when one goes to bed at a reasonable hour
➻ Feeling run down or overwhelmed
➻ Facing difficulty while recovering from stress or illness
➻ Craving for sweets or salty snacks

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. Also known as the stress hormone, cortisol is produced by the body in response to stress. It helps maintain homeostasis in the body.

It plays a role in the metabolism of blood sugar, regulation of blood pressure, immune function, etc. On the other hand, aldosterone regulates the amount of salt, potassium, and water in the body. If the adrenal glands are unable to function properly, it might give rise to the following symptoms:

➻ Unusual fatigue
➻ Muscle weakness
➻ Dizziness when standing
➻ Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
➻ Loss of appetite
➻ Low blood pressure
➻ Loss of body hair
➻ Weight loss
➻ Dark tanning of the skin
➻ Craving for salt

Besides a physical examination and analysis of the patient's medical history, certain diagnostic tests can be conducted for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency. These include ACTH test and insulin-induced hypoglycemia test.

Since adrenal fatigue is linked to stress, it's advisable to follow relaxation techniques for stress relief. Meditation, visualization techniques, and yoga can prove beneficial.

Also, one must follow a healthy diet that would help strengthen the immune system and increase one's energy levels. Mental and physical stress that is caused by illnesses can be resolved by following drug therapy and other recommended treatment options.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.