What is the meaning of the term adrenal fatigue?

Answer 1

I'm not a doctor, but have learned a few things from some excellent ones that cared for me, and I was also a pre-med student. My understanding is this - Adrenal glands are an integral part of the endocrine system of both sexes. Adrenal stress may be caused by many factors which eventually overburden the organism so it no longer can keep up with demand for the "stress hormones" secreted by the adrenals. Chronic "negative" stress includes: sleep deprivation, excessive consumption of refined sugars, long-term steroid use (as for lung disease), hostile work environment, abusive home, inadequate nutrition to meet body demands, etc. The result is a weakened or absent stress response, which at worst may put a person into shock from something as ordinary as having a tooth pulled. At the minimum it can cause irritability, chronic fatigue, body aches, low resistance to infection, and poor/fuzzy thinking. It is not connected to menopause. Adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys, and produce cortisol, not "sex hormones". Homeopathic support may help, as may herbs, supplements, and accupuncture, but a trained N.D. (naturopathic doctor) is needed. Adrenal fatigue and adrenal exhaustion are serious conditions, which need careful monitoring and holistic care for recovery. Allopathic medicine (western medicine), the conventional MD, is not well versed in these conditions, and holds no hope for adrenal failure or adrenal failure cases - which are potentially life threatening. (See Cushing's Disease.) They will tell a patient that lifetime steroid dependance and treatment of concurrent damage from that drug must be accepted. Naturopaths, TCM (Chinese medicine), and holistic MDs like Dr. Andrew Weil or Derrick Lonsdale (both poineers in alternative or complementary medicine)have different views. The have had some success with "incurable" cases of various sorts, including adrenal suppression. An MD can have a cortisol response test done, using an IV, a shot of steroid, and 2 steroid blood levels over 2 hours. There is also a saliva collection test to monitor steroids in the body, which is also reliable, but less well known. You MAY be able to order one online, but a doctor should help you interpret the lab's report for you.

Answer 2

Adrenal fatigue is caused when the adrenal gland, located on top of the kidney does not produce hormones. It is not yet a medical illness that is recognized, although millions around the globe have experienced it.