Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that some health practitioners attribute to a failure of the adrenal glands to function properly. The theory is that chronic stress can disrupt adrenal function, leaving you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed and in need of adrenal fatigue treatment. These symptoms often include fatigue, body aches, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and difficulty handling stress.

Adrenal fatigue is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by most mainstream medical organizations, including the Endocrine Society, a global network of physicians and scientists who study hormone and endocrine conditions. Doctors are concerned that when people are told that they have adrenal fatigue, the real cause of their problems might not be diagnosed and treated properly, the Endocrine Society says. The reported treatment for adrenal fatigue is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may be expensive since insurance companies are unlikely to cover the costs, the society reports.

People sometimes confuse adrenal fatigue with adrenal insufficiency, which is recognized as a medical condition. The symptoms can be similar, so it’s important to recognize the signs and consult with an endocrinologist to see if you need adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue treatment.

What is adrenal insufficiency?

The adrenal glands are small endocrine glands that sit atop each kidney. They secrete hormones that help to regulate many essential bodily functions.

The outer part of the gland, called the adrenal cortex, produces hormones that include:

• Cortisol, to help regulate metabolism and your body’s response to stress.
• Aldosterone, to help control blood pressure by maintaining salt and water balance.
• Androgens, which contribute to the development of sexual characteristics.

The inner part, called the adrenal medulla, produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These “fight or flight” hormones help your body respond to stress by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, among other effects.

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Damage to the adrenal cortex, the outer layer, is the most common cause.

Types of adrenal insufficiency

There are different types of adrenal insufficiency. Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce an adequate amount of cortisol. Symptoms may include extreme fatigue, upset stomach, muscle cramps, low blood sugar, and abdominal pain.

In secondary adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol because the pituitary gland, a gland at the base of the brain, fails to provide the proper signal. The symptoms resemble those of Addison’s disease and include weakness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy.

Diagnosis and treatment

Fortunately, doctors can analyze your blood and urine for adrenal hormone levels to help diagnose adrenal insufficiency. Hormone replacement treatment for this condition may involve hydrocortisone, prednisone, or dexamethasone.

Similarities to adrenal fatigue

Adrenal insufficiency and adrenal fatigue have several things in common, including:

• Both involve the adrenal glands.
• Both are linked to stress and fatigue, as well as other symptoms like low energy and body aches.
• Both suggest that the adrenal glands are not functioning properly in some way.

Symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue

The possible symptoms of adrenal fatigue tend to be non-specific and vague, meaning they could point to another medical condition, such as chronic kidney disease, heart disease, anemia, cancer, or anxiety disorders. A doctor’s evaluation is key to identifying any underlying health issues.

The symptoms often attributed to adrenal fatigue include:

• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Low blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Sugar and salt cravings
• Problems waking up
• Lack of motivation
• Brain fog
• Low libido
• Mood changes

There is no test that can detect adrenal fatigue. Mainstream medical groups do not consider adrenal fatigue a real diagnosis. They say its symptoms often stem from other conditions like hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, or depression. However, the fact that adrenal fatigue isn’t a formal medical diagnosis doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real.

For women, there may be a strong interplay between fatigue, perimenopause, menopause, and stress. This can make getting an accurate diagnosis challenging and may take some time for your doctor to provide.

Adrenal fatigue treatment

Holistic approaches and integrative medicine are often used to counteract symptoms attributed to adrenal fatigue. Many self-care methods provide positive health benefits regardless of any medical problem.

However, the Endocrine Society warns that: “If you take adrenal hormone supplements when you don’t need them, your adrenal glands may stop working and become unable to make the hormones you need when you are under physical stress. When these supplements are stopped, a person’s adrenal glands can remain ‘asleep’ for months. People with this problem may be in danger of developing a life-threatening condition called adrenal crisis.”

An endocrinologist can help you decide if any of the following steps, as well as the use of  supplements, are safe and appropriate.

Dietary adjustments and balanced diet

Your energy levels are directly influenced by your diet. Prioritize eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce weariness. Avoiding processed foods can also help.

Nutritional support and vitamin supplementation

A doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) nutrition therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream.

IV vitamin therapy entails giving the patient magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and/or other nutrients that boost energy levels and promote better adrenal function.

Exercise routine and regimen

To increase energy without putting too much strain on the body, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or light yoga may be recommended. A regular exercise regimen will help support adrenal health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Lifestyle changes and stress management

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to support adrenal function and avoid fatigue:

• Make time to do things that make you happy and calm, like reading, hobbies, or taking a long, hot bath.
• Do all that you can to avoid high-stress situations.
• As you start to feel better, gradually incorporate more physical activity into your life to avoid setbacks.

Mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques

Meditation and deep breathing are examples of mindfulness practices that might help you deal with stress when it arises. The Belly Breath, the 2:1 Breath, and the Sighing Breath are forms of deep breathing that may help to reduce cortisol levels and ward off symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Improving sleep quality and hygiene

Create a dark, peaceful sleeping space and strive for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A calm and restful bedroom is essential to achieving better sleep hygiene, which can help you feel better throughout the day.

Get professional advice on adrenal fatigue treatment

If you think you might have adrenal insufficiency or adrenal fatigue, don’t delay in getting help. The endocrinologists at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health help people every day overcome their fatigue. Our specially-trained endocrinologists are particularly skilled in diagnosing complex ailments that have hard-to-interpret symptoms. We can perform a number of tests to determine whether you have an underlying condition causing your symptoms. Our personalized treatment approach ensures you receive treatment tailored to your exact needs.

About Dr. Adeniran

Dr. Omolara “Grace” Adeniran received her doctor of medicine degree at Lugansk State Medical University in Ukraine. In Brooklyn, NY, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Brookdale University Hospital and an Endocrinology Fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Dr. Adeniran treats adults of all ages and specializes in a variety of endocrine-related conditions, including diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid gland disorders. She wrote a guide for medical professionals, “The Residency-Intern Diary,” which was published in 2023. When she’s not in her medical office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and watching action movies.

Request an appointment with Dr. Adeniran by calling (813) 977-2020.