The adrenal glands are two walnut-sized organs that sit on top of the kidneys. They produce adrenaline, as well as cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen and testosterone. Physical, emotional or environmental stress can cause the adrenals to become fatigued and underactive. When this happens, hormonal output drops, triggering a number of health concerns.
Fatigue, Depression and Low Immunity
The most common sign of adrenal fatigue is extreme physical tiredness, no matter how much sleep or rest one might get. Adrenal fatigue also causes mental tiredness, brain fog, and poor concentration and memory. Because the adrenals produce hormones that play a role in stabilizing mood, adrenal fatigue is also linked with severe mood swings, depression, anxiety or excessive worry. "Adrenal fatigue also lowers immunity, causing recurring infections and making it difficult to shake illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia," says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., medical director of The Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Inc.
Light-headedness
People with adrenal fatigue often experience light-headedness or dizziness upon first standing. This occurs because fatigued adrenals cannot produce enough adrenaline to normalize blood pressure as the body goes sitting or lying down to standing up.
Sugar Cravings and Weight Gain
Another common sign of adrenal fatigue is intense cravings for sugary foods and withdrawal symptoms of shakiness and irritability when blood sugar runs low. People with adrenal fatigue might even come to rely on sugar jolts to try to stay alert and energized. "However, excessive sugar triggers inflammation that wears out the adrenals even more, prolonging and worsening symptoms," says Dr. Teitelbaum. Some people may gain weight due to the excessive sugar consumption. In addition, many people with adrenal fatigue experience a metabolic slowdown that causes weight gain or makes it difficult to shed excess pounds.
Low Libido
Because the adrenals produce sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, adrenal fatigue is also linked to low libido in men and women, says C.W. Randolph, M.D., co-founder of The Natural Hormone Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Women with adrenal fatigue might also experience severe PMS or menopausal symptoms.
References
- Jacob Tietelbaum, M.D., The Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, Inc.; Addison, Texas
- James Wilson, M.D.: Adrenal Fatigue
- European Respiratory Journal: Adrenal function is related to the prognosis in moderate community-acquired pneumonia
- C.W. Randolph, M.D.; The Natural Hormone Institute; Jacksonville, Florida
