The adrenal glands are the powerhouse of the endocrine system. These small, walnut-sized glands manufacture hormones used by several systems in the body. The adrenal glands rest on top of the kidneys and secrete hormones into the bloodstream that travel through and affect every part of the the body. When the adrenal glands become overworked and fatigued, the entire body begins to experience stress.
Function
Adrenaline and noradrenaline are produced by the central part of the adrenal gland. These hormones are responsible for the body's reaction to danger. They also work with hormones produced by the thyroid glands to regulate the body's metabolism and maintain a state of balance. The outer portion of the adrenal glands manufacture a variety of other hormones. Testosterone, estrogen progesterone, DHEA and cortisol are produced by the outer shell of the adrenal glands.
The Adrenal Stress Index
The adrenal stress index was developed to explain the affect of stress on the adrenal glands, according to ChronicFatigue.org. The ASI outlines and describes the body's reactions in the seven levels of adrenal fatigue. Saliva tests are used to determine the amount of adrenal hormones in the body at various times throughout the day. The level of hormones present in the tests show where the body falls within the ASI. If the levels are normal or above average, the ASI is not needed. If the levels of hormones drop below normal, the ASI determines what stage of fatigue the body is experiencing. It will also help in finding an adequate treatment plan.
Effects on the Body
Adrenal stress can cause fluctuations in weight, fatigue, low blood pressure, body aches and loss of body hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. Minor fluctuations in the production of adrenal hormones is normal because of the varying amounts of stress a person experiences each day. In most cases, the degree of stress subsides and the body is allowed to recuperate during periods of rest. When adrenal levels are not allowed to return to normal, either through stress, disease or injury, the body starts to spiral downward into different levels of fatigue. If the adrenal levels continue to drop and are not brought back into a normal range, death can occur.
Adrenal Exhaustion or Addison's Disease
According to Dr. Todd Nippoldt of the Mayo Clinic, adrenal fatigue or adrenal gland exhaustion is not an accepted diagnosis in the medical community. Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency are the terms used to describe a decrease in the production of one or more of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Having inadequate amounts of these hormones contributes to a variety of other issues and can frustrate physicians who are trying to a diagnose a specific illness.
Supporters of the adrenal fatigue diagnosis consider this mild decrease in adrenal hormones as the body's inability to keep up with heavier than normal levels of stress. They believe that the tests that are used to detect adrenal deficiencies are not sensitive enough to pick up the small changes in a adrenal hormone production.
Treatment
Treating the cause of a disease or an injury will help the body begin to heal. As this process occurs, a variety of steps can be taken to correct adrenal gland exhaustion. Proper nutrition, along with adequate amounts of water, is necessary, according to Women to Women. To ensure that the body is receiving enough nutrients, a person should add a vitamin/mineral supplement to his diet.
Reduce stress levels if at all possible. Meditation, relaxation exercises and tai chi are ways of alleviating the stress that can build up throughout the day.
Exercise in moderation is beneficial in building stamina and maintaining energy levels.
