Is adrenal fatigue a real thing?

Adrenal fatigue is thought to be caused by our high stress lifestyle that shows up as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in weight, sugar cravings, mood swings and frequent colds or flu. It is also known as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, HPA Axis Dysregulation or Hypoadrenalism.

Many doctors tell their patients that this is not a true scientific diagnosis and does not exist. There is no widely accepted definitive test for adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue should not  be confused with the widely supported diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, which is a very serious endocrine issue that requires specific testing and treatment. 

Many alternative practitioners have adopted the term “adrenal fatigue” to describe the collection of symptoms mentioned above. The theory is that the constant stress we experience causes the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol and adrenaline, to get tired of being constantly in the “on duty” mode and start to slow down production of stress hormones. 

Regardless of which side of the argument you choose, you should always seek medical attention for symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, insomnia, frequent infections etc, because these can be possible signs of something more serious. 

If your issues are caused by stress, then it would make sense to find ways to reduce your stress and help bring your body back into hormonal balance. There are many ways to do this such as finding a hobby you enjoy, taking a walk in nature, changing your diet to include healthier choices, getting quality sleep and adding relaxation activities into your daily practice.  

When you are already stressed and feeling overwhelmed, it may be difficult to know where to start. Using a strategy that is simple to follow that uses a step-by-step plan to support your hormone health through nutrition, stress management, supplementation and herbs is a great way to start. If you would like some help taking those first steps, reach out to anna@zenergyhq.com.

 

https://www.rupahealth.com/post/wired-but-tired-this-isnt-a-normal-part-of-aging

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/adrenal-fatigue-real/