Adrenal gland exhaustion, also known as adrenal fatigue or Addison's disease, occurs when the adrenal glands produce too few hormones. According to Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Todd B. Nippoldt, adrenal exhaustion is not a scientifically proven medical condition, though proponents of the disease theorize that it develops when a person's adrenal glands can't keep up with bodily arousal. Symptoms vary and are considered nonspecific, meaning they may indicate various conditions. For best results, a doctor's guidance is recommended.
Fatigue
The adrenal glands are responsible for the production of norepinepherine, also known as adrenaline. When the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of norepinepherine, women's health expert Christiane Northrup, M.D., explains that loss of physical energy and sluggishness may occur. Such lethargy may cause a person to feel unable to partake in daily physical activities or exercise. Waking in the morning may become difficult, and the person may perceive a need for caffeinated beverages or other stimulants.
Reduced Appetite
The adrenal glands also produce cortisol, a hormone that supports healthy appetite. According to Northrup, exhausted adrenal glands may produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and result in reduced appetite and unexplained or unintentional weight loss. While overweight individuals may view such weight reduction as a positive occurrence, unexplained weight loss may indicate an array of serious health conditions, including adrenal gland problems. If a person's appetite reduces substantially his ability to consume proper amounts of nutrients and glucose, the body's primary source of energy, may decrease as well. This may lead to complications such as nutrient deficiency, further weight loss, a weakened immune system and increased lethargy.
Mood Disturbances
As adrenal exhaustion worsens and deficiency of important hormones increases, mood disturbances may result. According to Northrup, depression, emotional irritability and reduced interest in normally pleasurable activities may develop. In severe cases, adrenal exhaustion can result in mood disorders, such as clinical, or major, depression. Women who experience adrenal exhaustion during perimenopause may feel ill-equipped to deal with emotional changes and mistakenly attribute them to menopausal symptoms. Additional emotional symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include reduced interest in sex and inability to sleep, due to emotional stress or depressive moods.
