What Are the Adrenal Glands?
Adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are endocrine glands located on top of each kidney, and they have two main parts that function separately. The adrenal gland consists of two parts; the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. The outer region of the adrenal glands is called the adrenal cortex, and it produces hormones. The adrenal cortex primarily produces three main types of hormones, which include mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol), and androgens (sex hormones). These hormones are responsible for the regulation of blood pressure, maintaining an electrolyte balance, regulation of metabolism, suppression of the immune system, and reproduction. Moreover, catecholamines are produced by the adrenal medulla. These hormones are responsible for the body's "fight or flight" reaction under stressful circumstances.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a phrase used for a collection of symptoms that occurs in individuals undergoing mental, emotional, or physical stress for a long time. The term adrenal fatigue was coined by James Wilson in the year 1998. He suggested that adrenal fatigue is associated with stress and chronic infections like bronchitis (swelling of the bronchial tube lining), flu, pneumonia (an infection that causes the air sacs in the lung to swell and fill with fluid), etc. However, adrenal fatigue is not recognized as a medical diagnosis, and there is no scientific evidence to support it as a real medical condition.
It is a general term used to describe a group of vague symptoms such as body aches, tiredness, nervousness, disturbed sleep, and digestive issues.
What Is the Theory Behind Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue theorists suggest that the disease starts when the body experiences too many pressures from daily life. When someone is under stress, their immune system reacts by working more. In turn, the adrenal gland produces excessive cortisol (stress hormone). When a person is subjected to stress for a long time, it leads to perpetual fight-or-flight arousal. As a result, the adrenal glands fail to keep up with the body’s needs to produce cortisol, and this is when the symptoms of adrenal fatigue may start showing up.
Is Adrenal Fatigue a Myth?
The theory of adrenal fatigue is not backed up by any scientific evidence, and the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are very vague and generalized. Therefore, adrenal fatigue is not an established medical diagnosis. Adrenal fatigue is categorically denied as a real disease by the Endocrine Society. Additionally, it claims that because the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are so general, they can be caused by a variety of illnesses, disorders, or even just day-to-day living.
What Are the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue?
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
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Anemia (reduced red blood cells).
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Difficulty in sleeping (sleep apnea).
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Heart problems.
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Lung diseases.
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Recurrent infections.
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Autoimmune diseases (a condition in which the body’s immune system starts attacking healthy cells).
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Diabetes mellitus.
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Renal (kidney) problems.
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Liver diseases.
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Bowel problems and digestive problems.
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Irritable bowel syndrome.
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Salt or sugar cravings.
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Tiredness and fatigue.
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Body ache.
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Unusual weight loss.
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Lack of motivation.
What Is Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition in which the body produces insufficient amounts of steroid hormones, particularly cortisol. In addition, aldosterone hormone synthesis may also be insufficient or deficient. These hormones are crucial for several bodily processes. Mainly there are three types of adrenal insufficiency; primary, secondary, and tertiary adrenal insufficiency. Primary insufficiency of the adrenal gland occurs due to dysfunctioning of the adrenal gland, which may occur due to damage to the glands.
Moreover, secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs due to dysfunction or impairment of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, and the primary cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency is a pituitary adenoma. Finally, tertiary adrenal insufficiency occurs as a result of hypothalamic disease or a reduction in the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). The common cause of this condition is the sudden withdrawal of long-term steroids or brain tumors.
What Are the Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency?
Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:
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Fatigue and extreme tiredness.
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Loss of appetite.
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Unusual weight loss.
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Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin.
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Hypotension (low blood pressure).
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Fainting.
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Craving of salt.
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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level).
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Diarrhea.
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Abdominal pain.
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Irritability.
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Depression.
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Loss of body hair.
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Low sex drive in women.
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Muscular pain.
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Pain in the joints.
What Is the Difference Between Adrenal Fatigue and Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition that is characterized by the adrenal glands' inability to produce adequate amounts of essential hormones. At the same time, adrenal fatigue is an idea or theory suggesting that elevated stress levels can result in a milder form of adrenal insufficiency.
How Is Adrenal Fatigue Diagnosed?
No test exists to detect adrenal fatigue. An individual is frequently diagnosed with adrenal fatigue based only on their symptoms. The results and analysis of tests for adrenal fatigue may not be accurate because they are not founded on scientific facts or backed by reliable scientific studies. Occasionally, a blood or saliva test may be recommended.
How Is Adrenal Fatigue Treated?
Treatment of adrenal fatigue includes:
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The clinician could suggest quitting smoking, drinking, or using drugs and improving the overall lifestyle. The symptoms can be greatly reduced by beginning an exercise regimen, eating healthily, and adhering to a daily schedule for sleeping and waking.
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Additionally, some healthcare providers might suggest special vitamins or supplements for treating adrenal fatigue. These supplements are supposed to be created exclusively for improving adrenal health. However, these supplements or vitamins advertised as a cure for adrenal fatigue could be hazardous. In addition, the efficiency and safety of most of these supplements are yet to be investigated enough to be declared a safe treatment modality.
Conclusion:
Adrenal fatigue is a theory and not a real medical condition; therefore, no definitive diagnostic and treatment modalities are available for the condition. However, some doctors may advise special supplements for treating adrenal fatigue. If these adrenal hormone supplements are taken in cases they are not needed, the adrenal glands may stop working and stop making the hormones required under physical stress. As a result, the adrenal glands can remain inactive for a long time, even after the consumption of these supplements is removed. This can lead to a severe and life-threatening medical condition known as an adrenal crisis.
