It’s one thing to be tired every so often; it’s another to be completely exhausted all the time. Like being a zombie. Energy has reached an all-time low to the point that it’s time to see a doctor. The problem is, because being tired is so common, a proper diagnosis isn’t easy to come by. They’ll run countless tests and examinations only to wind up short. As a result, patients are often told they’re just under a lot of stress or, worse, making things up. But could there be more to the story than make-believe? One idea is an unofficial condition called adrenal disease. Thanks to the internet, adrenal disease has quickly risen in popularity (though not for good reason). Everyone from nutritionists to doctors has an opinion about adrenal fatigue, with some arguing against it and others advocating for more awareness, which brings us to this post. Is there any truth or substance to the theory of adrenal fatigue? Does it even exist? Join me today as I uncover the facts and myths about adrenal fatigue!

Adrenal Fatigue 101

First, let’s define what adrenal fatigue is. In a post entitled “Is There Such Thing as Adrenal Fatigue?” the Mayo Clinic describes it as, “… a term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. The term often shows up in popular health books and on alternative medicine websites, but it isn’t an accepted medical diagnosis.” [1] They are correct when it comes to the medical establishment. Currently, the Endocrinology Society (as well as other formal institutions) do not recognize it. A systemic review of the current research shows that there is not enough substantial evidence to prove the existence of adrenal fatigue. The authors noted that the studies they analyzed were heavily flawed; the tests, subjects, and data were all poorly designed and executed. [2] 

What Are the Adrenals, Anyway?

You can tell if someone truly understands adrenal fatigue by asking if they know what the adrenals are and what they do. Most of the time, they won’t be able to give you a proper answer. Here’s what you need to know about the adrenals.

 The adrenals (aka, adrenal glands) are two, triangular-shaped glands that sit right on top of the kidneys. They’re made of two parts. First is the outer part known as the adrenal cortex, which produces important hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. Second is the inner part, the adrenal medulla, which makes nonessential hormones like adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. (Nonessential hormones are ones you don’t need to survive. However, they still have their purposes!) The adrenals also release small amounts of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. [3] 

Here’s the takeaway when it comes to the function of the adrenal glands. They work to produce hormones that help with immunity, blood pressure, blood sugar, metabolism, stress response, and survival (fight or flight). [4]

The REAL Adrenal Fatigue

True adrenal fatigue is known as adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease. Unlike the former, Addison’s disease is an official medical diagnosis. It’s when the adrenals stop producing enough hormones, including cortisol. [4] While cortisol is infamously referred to as the “stress hormone,” it’s vital to our wellbeing.

Consider cortisol your “survival” hormone. In times of danger or stress, it primes our body for attack, defense, and focus. Our ancestors depended on cortisol to survive. Today though, the odds have changed. Instead of hunting wild game or hiding from predators, we’re fighting rush hour traffic and pay the bills. Two very different scenarios! The problem today is we focus on the imbalances that come from either too little or too much cortisol. When in reality, cortisol can work in or favor. For instance, it’s essential for the development of the fetus during pregnancy and balances water and electrolytes in the body. During an injury, it helps to lower inflammation. As you can see, it’s not the enemy! [5]

Back to Addison’s disease and adrenal fatigue. Many things can cause it. Most often, it’s the result of autoimmune disease, which is when the immune disease starts attacking and damaging parts of the body. In the case of Addison’s, it’s the adrenals. Other causes may include infections (fungal and viral), cancer, pituitary gland disorders, Tuberculosis (TB), and surgical removal of the adrenals. [6]

The laundry list of symptoms of Addison’s disease include:

 Chronic, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dizziness while standing, fainting, skin changes (hyperpigmentation or tanning throughout the body), depression, irritability, low blood sugar, irregular or absent periods in women, intense cravings for salt, and, in extreme cases, an Addisonian crisis, which is deep pain in the lower back, belly, and legs. An Addisonian crisis can be fatal if left untreated. [6]

If any of these symptoms ring true for you, then get tested ASAP. Not only for the sake of proper diagnosis but also to prevent a possible Addisonian crisis.

Is Adrenal Fatigue Bogus?

Not exactly. There are other conditions that you may be confusing it for. Ones that are medically recognized. We’ve already covered Addison’s, but there are others worth diving into, which I’m going to save for Part 2. The internet is full of fake experts and false information, which is why you’ve got to be careful with who or where you get your sources. Adrenal fatigue isn’t quite what many alternative “experts” would lead you to believe, but its symptoms are very real and deserve a better explanation. It takes more than expensive protocols, diets, and supplements to address. Which is why I always tell you to check with a doctor first. Until then, I hope you took something from Part 1 and stay tuned for Part 2.

Sources:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/expert-answers/adrenal-fatigue/faq-20057906
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27557747
[3] https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands
[4] https://www.livescience.com/59039-adrenal-glands.html
[5] https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/cortisol
[6] https://pituitary.org/knowledge-base/disorders/adrenal-insuffieciency-addison-s-disease