Adrenal fatigue is a term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. The term often shows up in popular health books and on alternative medicine websites, but adrenal fatigue is not an accepted medical diagnosis.
The adrenal glands produce important hormones including cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress, and aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure. When healthy, the adrenals churn out just the right amount of these hormones to keep the body balanced. Adrenal fatigue theorists argue that chronic stress taxes the adrenal glands, eventually leading to decreased hormone production and the vague symptoms mentioned above.
There is no scientific proof that adrenal fatigue exists. Blood tests for adrenal insufficiency are also normal in people with adrenal fatigue symptoms. Furthermore, the wide array of symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue are so nonspecific that they can be caused by many other underlying conditions.
So what causes the symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue?
- Chronic stress and poor lifestyle habits like inadequate sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise can leave you feeling run down.
- Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and burnout can also cause similar symptoms.
- Other underlying illnesses like hypothyroidism, anemia, or chronic fatigue syndrome may be to blame.
If you have ongoing fatigue, body aches, nervousness, insomnia or other unexplained symptoms, check with your doctor. They can help determine if an illness is behind your issues, and recommend lifestyle changes or treatment to help you regain your energy. The
Rejuvenate Health Center offers cutting-edge lab testing and treatment plans customized to your unique hormone needs. Our holistic providers partner with you to identify the root causes of your symptoms. We provide personalized guidance on nutrition, supplements, stress management and more to help you thrive.
In summary:
- Adrenal fatigue is a term used by some alternative medicine practitioners to explain non-specific symptoms like fatigue and body aches.
- Mainstream medicine does not recognize adrenal fatigue as a real medical condition.
- The symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue can be caused by many underlying problems like mental health issues, other illnesses, or lifestyle factors.
- If you have ongoing unexplained symptoms, see your doctor for an evaluation. Determine and treat the real cause with their help.
- For hormone-related issues, the experts at Rejuvenate Health Center can provide advanced testing and integrated care to help you feel your best.