The Effects of Adrenal Exhaustion

Adrenal exhaustion is often referred to as adrenal fatigue and can cause serious health concerns in both men and women if not addressed. Adrenal fatigue is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease. During periods of chronic stress, the adrenal glands are incapable of supplying the body with the necessary hormones needed to sustain good health, sometimes leading to a cycle of events that leave patients with feelings of overwhelming fatigue.

What Are the Adrenal Glands?

• The adrenal glands are located just above kidneys and are responsible for the release of adrenaline during times of stress. With the help of good cholesterol within the body, the external cortex of the adrenals produces chemicals known as corticosteroids such as cortisol. Ideally, stress is limited and the adrenals only need to respond every now and then. In cases of adrenal exhaustion, stress is a continuous factor that causes the adrenal glands to work overtime, resulting in adrenal depletion or exhaustion.

Fatigue and Dizziness

• The most noticeable symptom associated with adrenal exhaustion is the feeling of overwhelming fatigue. Increased stress can lead to poor sleep habits and the inability to sleep soundly or get a good night's rest. Patients who experience adrenal fatigue may also notice a burst of energy during the evening hours that can interfere with nighttime relaxation. This unfortunate cycle of events can ultimately culminate into a complete lack of energy during the day. Adrenal fatigue sufferers may also notice a feeling of dizziness on standing that is often the result of blood pressure drops associated with adrenal fatigue.

Inability to Cope

• The inability to cope with stress is often becomes a factor for someone who is experiencing adrenal fatigue. Sometimes the feelings of tiredness become so overwhelming that a mild form of depression may set it in as the adrenal glands have a close relationship with the hormones that control moods. During episodes of adrenal fatigue, coping mechanisms may decrease, resulting in a lower tolerance level in regards to regular daily stress.

Aches, Pains and Weight Gain

• The depression and fatigue that is associated with adrenal exhaustion can often lead to chronic aches and pains. Depression and the sensation of pain have been linked. Specifically, neurotransmitters within the brain fail to function properly when an individual is experiencing depression related to adrenal exhaustion, often resulting in pain centers that tend to be highly active. Feelings of depression can also lead to overeating, and adrenal exhaustion sufferers also experience an increase in cortisol, which leads to additional weight gain, especially around the waist area.

Risk of Infection

• When the adrenal glands are exhausted, the immune system can become compromised. An immune system that is not functioning properly can be susceptible to infection. The corticosteroids released by the adrenals includes corticosterone, the hormone that is responsible for controlling inflammation and also supports the immune system. When there is not enough corticosterone, the risk of infection increases.