The adrenal glands are the walnut-sized organs located on top of each kidney that produce adrenaline and a number of steroid hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, estrogen and testosterone. These hormones play a role in alertness, metabolism, sex drive, immunity and many other functions. When the adrenals become fatigued due to physical, emotional or environmental stress, they do not produce optimal amounts of adrenaline and the steroid hormones, triggering a number of health concerns.
Most Common Symptoms
The main symptom is extreme tiredness, but other common signs include brain fog, poor concentration and memory, irritability, depression, anxiety, low sex drive, poor immunity and trouble sleeping (either sleeping too much but feeling unrested, or waking frequently during the night). In addition, in an estimated 85 percent of people with adrenal fatigue, metabolism slows down significantly, causing weight gain or making it difficult to shed extra pounds.
Dizziness and Nausea
People with adrenal fatigue also often complain of light-headedness, dizziness or nausea upon getting out of bed in the morning, or upon standing up after long periods of sitting. This occurs because the worn out adrenals do not produce enough adrenaline to normalize blood pressure as the body goes from a seated or lying position to a standing position.
Sugar and Caffeine Cravings
Other signs of adrenal fatigue include intense cravings for sugary foods and caffeinated beverages, and many people with the condition come to rely on sugar and caffeine jolts in an attempt to stay alert and energized. However, excessive sugar and caffeine wear out the adrenals even more, prolonging and worsening symptoms.
