Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of non-specific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. It is thought to occur when the adrenal glands become overtaxed and unable to produce adequate amounts of hormones like cortisol to meet the body's needs.
The adrenal glands produce many essential hormones that help regulate blood pressure, cardiovascular function, metabolism, immune system, inflammatory response and more. Long-term physical, emotional or psychological stress can supposedly drain the adrenals over time leading to adrenal fatigue. Some key signs and symptoms may include:
While adrenal fatigue is a popular concept, it is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis as of yet. There are disagreements over its validity among health experts. More research is still needed to understand the proposed link between prolonged stress, adrenal function and nonspecific symptoms.
Tests like salivary cortisol tests may help assess adrenal function. If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, trouble recovering from stress, or other issues potentially related to adrenal health, see your doctor or endocrinologist to identify and address any underlying causes or health conditions. Lifestyle changes like eating nutritious whole foods, reducing stress, getting good sleep and exercise may also be beneficial.
While the debate continues over adrenal fatigue as a distinct syndrome, what we do know for sure is that chronic stress can negatively impact health in many ways. Finding healthy and practical strategies to manage life’s demands to avoid prolonged stress is wise for overall well-being. Get checked out by a doctor if experiencing concerning or disruptive symptoms to identify and address any specific medical issues that may be contributing to feeling unwell. Supporting adrenal function through a balanced lifestyle and targeted naturopathic treatments like those offered at Hormone Care Center may also be beneficial for those struggling with fatigue, stress resilience and related issues.