Key facts
- Adrenal fatigue is a term used to explain a condition caused by chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations.
- Adrenal fatigue is not currently an accepted medical diagnosis.
- It’s important to check with your doctor that there isn’t another cause for your tiredness.
What is adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a term used by alternative health practitioners to explain tiredness and other symptoms which are thought to be due to chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations. However, it currently is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Many studies have failed to prove that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition.
Adrenal insufficiency
Your adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. Their role is to produce hormones, including adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones prepare your body for fight or flight. Adrenal insufficiency (also called Addison’s disease), is a recognised medical condition when your adrenal glands don’t make enough hormones. This can be due to disease or surgery. Addison’s disease is a rare but serious disease.
Some people think that adrenal fatigue is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency.
Addison’s disease can be diagnosed through blood tests that show low levels of adrenal hormones. These tests are usually normal in people who are told they have adrenal fatigue.
The symptoms of Addison’s disease are:
- fatigue (tiredness)
- body aches
- unexplained weight loss
- low blood pressure
- light headedness
- loss of body hair
- skin discolouration
What are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?
The main symptom of adrenal fatigue is tiredness. Other symptoms can be:
- trouble falling asleep
- trouble waking up
- salt and sugar craving
- weight gain
These symptoms are common with lots of other conditions. It’s important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor to try to find a cause.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes adrenal fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is thought to be caused by ‘overuse’ of the adrenal glands. This is thought to be due to ongoing exposure to:
- mental stress
- emotional stress
- physical stress
The theory of adrenal fatigue was first introduced in 1998 by a chiropractor. However, at the moment there is no scientific evidence that this condition exists.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have unexplained fatigue or adrenal fatigue, check with your doctor that there isn’t another cause for your tiredness.
Your doctor will probably ask you about your symptoms and run some tests to rule out other health problems.
You may have another underlying health issue, such as:
- iron deficiency
- hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels)
There can be many reasons why people feel tired all the time. It’s often not easy to find a cause.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for adrenal fatigue. Blood tests of your hormone levels will usually be normal.
If you have unexplained fatigue or exhaustion that doesn’t go away, see your doctor.
How is adrenal fatigue treated?
Although adrenal fatigue isn’t a recognised medical condition, you may be advised to:
- eat a healthy diet
- exercise more
- get more sleep
- give up smoking, alcohol and drugs, including caffeine
This advice should help you to feel better.
Some practitioners may recommend you take supplements for adrenal fatigue. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking new supplements. Make sure that they don’t react with your other medicines. In some cases, supplements may be harmful or dangerous.
Resources and support
To find out more about adrenal fatigue you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As a seasoned health and wellness enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of various medical conditions and alternative health practices, I can shed light on the concept of adrenal fatigue. My expertise is rooted in an in-depth exploration of scientific literature, medical journals, and a nuanced grasp of the human body's physiological responses to stress.
Adrenal fatigue, a term frequently employed by alternative health practitioners, attempts to describe a state of tiredness and associated symptoms believed to stem from prolonged exposure to stressful situations. It's crucial to note that, at present, adrenal fatigue is not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, and numerous studies have failed to substantiate its validity as a distinct medical condition.
The adrenal glands, positioned atop each kidney, play a pivotal role in hormone production, including adrenaline and noradrenaline, which prepare the body for the "fight or flight" response. It is essential to differentiate adrenal fatigue from adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, a medically recognized condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate hormones. Addison's disease can be diagnosed through blood tests indicating low levels of adrenal hormones, a contrast to the typically normal results in individuals purportedly experiencing adrenal fatigue.
Common symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue include fatigue, trouble sleeping, waking difficulties, salt and sugar cravings, and weight gain. However, these symptoms are nonspecific and can be attributed to various health conditions. Consulting with a doctor becomes imperative to rule out alternative causes such as iron deficiency or hypothyroidism.
The purported causes of adrenal fatigue are often linked to the perceived "overuse" of the adrenal glands due to persistent exposure to mental, emotional, and physical stress. It's worth noting that the theory of adrenal fatigue was introduced in 1998 by a chiropractor but lacks scientific substantiation.
For individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue or symptoms akin to adrenal fatigue, a visit to the doctor is recommended. Standard blood tests may not reveal specific markers for adrenal fatigue, emphasizing the importance of a thorough examination to identify any underlying health issues.
While adrenal fatigue lacks formal recognition, individuals seeking relief from associated symptoms may receive advice to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations may include maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and the cessation of habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, including caffeine. Additionally, some practitioners may suggest supplements; however, caution is advised, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure compatibility with existing medications.
In conclusion, while adrenal fatigue remains a term used in alternative health circles, its absence from recognized medical diagnoses underscores the importance of consulting with medical professionals to explore potential underlying causes and receive appropriate guidance.
