Adrenal fatigue: What causes it? (2024)

Is there such a thing as adrenal fatigue?

Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph.D.

Adrenal fatigue isn't an official medical diagnosis. It's a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that aren't specific. Examples of those symptoms include tiredness, weakness, sleep problems, and cravings for sugar and salt.

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. These glands make a variety of important hormones. When the adrenal glands don't make enough hormones, the medical term for that condition is adrenal insufficiency. It may happen due to another medical condition. Or it could be the result of surgery or other medical treatment, such as radiation or certain medicines.

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:

  • Feeling very tired.
  • Body aches.
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Loss of body hair.
  • A change in skin color, also called hyperpigmentation.
  • Craving salt.
  • Depression.

Adrenal insufficiency can be diagnosed with tests that check the level of adrenal hormones in the body. Imaging exams such as a CT scan or an MRI may be useful too.

Some people claim that adrenal fatigue is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress. The idea is that the adrenal glands can't keep up with the demands of the ongoing fight-or-flight state in the body that chronic stress causes. Existing blood tests, according to this theory, aren't sensitive enough to detect a small drop in adrenal function., but that drop triggers the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. However, there is no evidence to support this theory.

Dealing with symptoms that last can be frustrating, especially if your healthcare team can't explain them. But accepting that symptoms are caused by a vague label, such as adrenal fatigue, could cause the true source of a problem to go without a diagnosis or treatment. And that can take a serious toll on your body over time.

If you have symptoms that don't go away, talk to your healthcare team about possible causes. Discuss tests that might be useful, as well as lifestyle changes and treatment that could help you feel better.

With

Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph.D.

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  • Salt craving: A symptom of Addison's disease?

April 10, 2024

  1. Adrenal fatigue. Endocrine Society. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/adrenal-fatigue. Accessed Dec. 7, 2023.
  2. Cadegiani FA, et al. Adrenal fatigue does not exist: A systematic review. BMC Endocrine Disorders. 2016; doi:10.1186/s12902-016-0128-4.
  3. Adrenal insufficiency and Addison's disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease. Accessed Dec. 7, 2023.
  4. AskMayoExpert. Adrenal insufficiency (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2022.
  5. Nieman LK. Clinical manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 7, 2023.
  6. Nieman LK, et al. Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 1, 2020.

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Adrenal fatigue: What causes it? (2024)

FAQs

Adrenal fatigue: What causes it? ›

Adrenal fatigue is thought to be caused by 'overuse' of the adrenal glands. This is thought to be due to ongoing exposure to: mental stress. emotional stress.

How do I fix my adrenal fatigue? ›

Supporters of adrenal fatigue may advise you to improve your lifestyle by giving up smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Starting an exercise program, eating healthy foods, and following a daily routine for sleeping and waking will almost always make you feel better, no matter what the medical diagnosis.

What is the best vitamin for adrenal fatigue? ›

The suggested treatments for healthy adrenal function are a diet low in sugar, caffeine, and junk food, and “targeted nutritional supplementation” that includes vitamins and minerals: Vitamins B5, B6, and B12. Vitamin C. Magnesium.

What mimics adrenal fatigue? ›

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may have symptoms similar to adrenal fatigue and may not respond well to antidepressants and counseling.

What kind of doctor treats adrenal fatigue? ›

Adrenal glands are complicated to treat, so we typically use a team approach. Our endocrinologists work together with endocrine surgeons, cardiologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, neurosurgeons, nuclear medicine doctors, oncologists and geneticists to thoroughly diagnose and treat these conditions.

What is the root cause of adrenal fatigue? ›

Adrenal fatigue is a term used to explain a condition caused by chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. Adrenal fatigue is not currently an accepted medical diagnosis. It's important to check with your doctor that there isn't another cause for your tiredness.

What can I drink for adrenal fatigue? ›

Naturopathic specialists often recommend specific treatments to support the adrenal glands and "heal" adrenal fatigue, including adrenal co*cktails. An adrenal co*cktail is usually made with orange juice, coconut water, and sea salt.

What not to do with adrenal fatigue? ›

If you decide to try a diet for adrenal fatigue, it's generally recommended to limit foods and drinks high in refined and processed sugar and unhealthy fats. Some foods to limit include: white sugar. white flour.

What foods help heal adrenal fatigue? ›

Calcium and several trace minerals, like zinc, manganese, selenium and iodine produce calming effects in the body, which will help restore normal cortisol levels. Calcium: dairy foods, dark leafy greens and soy. Zinc: fresh oysters, sardines, beef, lamb, turkey, soybeans, split peas, whole grains and sunflower seeds.

How to detox your adrenal glands? ›

These “building blocks” are integral in the context of your body being in a position to naturally heal your overworked adrenal glands.
  1. Eat Meal Within an Hour After Waking. ...
  2. Skip Processed Foods. ...
  3. Say No to High Impact Exercise. ...
  4. Say Yes to Fresh Air. ...
  5. Take B Vitamins. ...
  6. Get Lots of Sleep. ...
  7. Include Protein. ...
  8. No Caffeine.
Apr 20, 2021

Why don t doctors recognize adrenal fatigue? ›

Answer From Ann Kearns, M.D., Ph.D. Adrenal fatigue isn't an official medical diagnosis. It's a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that aren't specific. Examples of those symptoms include tiredness, weakness, sleep problems, and cravings for sugar and salt.

What is the adrenal belly? ›

Adrenal Belly, a condition emerging from the intersection of chronic stress and hormonal imbalance, highlights the complexity of weight gain in the context of modern lifestyles. The potential role of HRT in addressing this condition opens up new avenues for treatment.

What are the three stages of adrenal fatigue? ›

Adrenal fatigue occurs in phases as follows;
  • Stage one Adrenal Fatigue: Alarm. The first phase of adrenal fatigue is the alarm phase, which is a normal and natural response to external stressors. ...
  • Stage two Adrenal Fatigue: Resistance. ...
  • Stage three: Adrenal Exhaustion. ...
  • Stage Four Adrenal Fatigue: Burnout.
Nov 24, 2021

How did I cured my adrenal fatigue? ›

The best foods for adrenal fatigue are:
  1. Healthy fats, including coconut, avocados, and olive oil.
  2. High-quality protein (i.e. grass-fed meat, pasture-raised eggs, and wild fish)
  3. Vegetables (especially leafy greens)
  4. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries.
  5. Nuts and seeds.
  6. Fermented foods.
  7. Seaweed and sea vegetables.
Feb 25, 2023

Can adrenal fatigue affect your eyes? ›

Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It helps the body to cope with stress by mobilizing energy and suppressing the immune system. However, high levels of cortisol can also have negative effects on the body, including on the eyes.

What is the best medication for adrenal fatigue? ›

A medicine called hydrocortisone is usually used to replace the cortisol. Other possible medicines are prednisolone or dexamethasone, although these are less commonly used.

How long does it take to reverse adrenal fatigue? ›

Adrenal fatigue can be reduced with diet, exercise, and sleep. Most people recover from adrenal fatigue within a few weeks, although others may take months or longer to recover. There is a wide range of therapies that can help improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

What does adrenal fatigue feel like? ›

Adrenal fatigue isn't an official medical diagnosis. It's a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that aren't specific. Examples of those symptoms include tiredness, weakness, sleep problems, and cravings for sugar and salt.

What foods help repair adrenal glands? ›

Vitamin B6: Brewer's yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, fish (tuna, salmon, trout), liver and beans. Magnesium provides necessary energy for your adrenals — and every cell in your body — to function properly. Magnesium: dark green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

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