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What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Adrenal fatigue, also called adrenal exhaustion or hypoadrenia, is a controversial illness resulting from decreased function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located right above the kidneys and secrete hormones controlling stress and energy, among other physical functions. In general, mainstream medicine does not currently recognize it as a valid condition, though individual doctors might make such a diagnosis. Adrenal fatigue is a syndrome, meaning that it consists of a collection of symptoms, each of which may or may not affect a particular patient.

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include reduced energy and ability to handle stress, allergies, anxiety, fatigue, depression, obesity, muscle and joint pain, carbohydrate cravings, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Those who believe that adrenal fatigue is a real condition theorize that it results from chronic stress in one's everyday life that makes the adrenal glands work overtime, eventually leading to decreased function. Detractors claim that the alleged symptoms are vague and that a high level of daily stress is unlikely to affect the adrenal glands in this manner.

An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.
An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.

Practitioners of alternative medicine believe that sufferers of this type of fatigue can fully recover with treatment and stress management. Removing whatever life stresses that one can is considered the most important step towards recovery. Getting extra sleep at night, up to ten hours if possible, also allows the adrenal glands to recover. Melatonin should be used for those who have trouble falling and staying asleep. A person who suffers from adrenal fatigue should increase exercise and decrease caffeine consumption and time spent each day watching television or using a computer. If you are feeling overly stressed and exhausted, all of the above is good advice whether or not you believe this condition is for real.

Reduced energy and fatigue may be signs of adrenal fatigue.
Reduced energy and fatigue may be signs of adrenal fatigue.

Following a healthy diet, eating meals at regular times and earlier in the day, and taking dietary supplements to ensure one's intake of a balance of vitamins and minerals is also important in managing the condition. In extreme cases, natural hydrocortisone supplements may be prescribed by a health professional. The treatment guidelines for this condition have helped many people who have had limited or no success seeking relief from traditional medicine. This article is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or a guide towards diagnosis, so if you believe stress is having an adverse effect on your health or you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

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Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon948648

I did have TAHBSO 12 years ago followed by Adrenalectomy 1 1/2 years ago. Actually, I am okay and back to my job. Sometimes I have problems because I slept most of the time and I have a hard time waking up in the morning. I have regular laboratory examinations, but everything is normal. I even had Alopecia areata.

anon258764

The Women to Women clinic in Yarmouth, Maine does a great job of treating women nationwide for a variety of conditions, especially adrenal fatigue. My friend is finding that a combination of diet changes, dietary supplements, increased sleep and exercise is helping her tremendously! She has more energy, feels less stressed, and didn't spend the winter limping from one cold to the next (like in previous winters).

bagley79

Our adrenal glands play such an important role in helping keep our bodies balanced. If you are under a lot of stress, I can see how you can suffer from many of these symptoms. It is often easy to just say, "Oh, I am stressed.", but there is often a real cause to that stress.

I feel that adrenal gland fatigue is a real illness and would try to eliminate stress and make some dietary changes to see if that helps. I wonder if there are any adrenal fatigue supplements that would be helpful? It seems like there are supplements for just about everything else.

julies

I find it very frustrating when someone is struggling with a lot of the symptoms described in this article and they cannot find a diagnosis or someone thinks that it is all in their head. I have an aunt who was diagnosed with renal gland fatigue after many months of tests.

She was so relieved to finally have a diagnosis and know that she was not making any of these symptoms up. I know it can sometimes be a very hard thing to put your finger on, but I would keep being persistent at trying to find out what is causing your fatigue if you find yourself in a similar situation.

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    • An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.
      By: freshidea
      An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.
    • Reduced energy and fatigue may be signs of adrenal fatigue.
      By: juniart
      Reduced energy and fatigue may be signs of adrenal fatigue.
    • A person suffering from adrenal fatigue should limit time spent watching television.
      By: Brian Jackson
      A person suffering from adrenal fatigue should limit time spent watching television.
    • Fatigue, depression, and the inability to handle stress are common symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
      By: yanlev
      Fatigue, depression, and the inability to handle stress are common symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
    • Some researchers believe that adrenal fatigue syndrome is caused by chronic stress.
      By: zea_lenanet
      Some researchers believe that adrenal fatigue syndrome is caused by chronic stress.