Stress affects everyone, and most people experience fatigue at some point in their life. Stress causes excess hormones to be released from the adrenal glands, with the end result being fatigue and sometimes even depression. DHEA is an important hormone, and low levels of DHEA can lead to chronic fatigue.
DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. It is a precursor to male and female sex hormones, which means it gets converted to these hormones by the body. MayoClinic.com notes that DHEA levels in the body decrease after the age of 30. Without enough DHEA, the adrenal glands malfunction, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency, depression and fatigue. This natural hormone is also necessary for every cell in the body, as it controls the energy production within cells, according to USDoctor.com.
Fatigue
While fatigue can accompany a desire to sleep, fatigue is much more than just being tired or sleepy. It is a constant state of weariness that develops over time, according to MayoClinic.com. It diminishes energy and mental capacity, and impacts emotional and psychological well-being. Chronic fatigue is profound and long-lasting, and can occur from an underlying condition -- such as the aforementioned adrenal insufficiency -- or certain lifestyle habits.
Effects
Adrenal glands also create cortisol and adrenaline. A number of things can trigger the secretion of cortisol and adrenaline, including stress. When the adrenal glands keep pumping out these stress hormones, they cannot produce a sufficient amount of DHEA, according to the Women to Women website, and this can lead to general malaise and moodiness.
Expert Insight
A 1994 study at Stanford University, published in the journal "Arthritis and Rheumatism" and cited by USDoctor.com, found that supplementary DHEA was able to relieve symptoms associated with lupus, arthritis, renal damage and fatigue. According to USDoctor.com, blood studies conducted by Dr. Edward Lichten showed that groups of young women with complaints of fatigue and depression had lower than normal levels of DHEA.
Considerations
Researchers are looking into supplemental DHEA as a treatment of fatigue, but DHEA alone is not a magic cure. The Women to Women website stresses that an approach that includes supplemental DHEA, along with other hormonal support, nutrition, lifestyle changes and proper rest, is needed to combat chronic fatigue. MayoClinic.com cautions about using DHEA as a supplement, since allergic reactions and negative side effects such as fast heartbeat may occur. Consult your doctor if you suspect that you have adrenal gland fatigue.
