Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of non-specific symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances that are thought to occur when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level.
The adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate the body's response to stress, as well as regulating metabolism, the immune system, and more. It's thought that when someone experiences periods of high physical, emotional or psychological stress, the demand for cortisol and other hormones increases. Over time, this demand can "exhaust" or fatigue the adrenal glands, disrupting hormone levels and causing symptoms.
Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue may include:
Note: Adrenal fatigue is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis. Some healthcare providers question whether it exists as a distinct condition.
There is an ongoing debate about whether adrenal fatigue truly qualifies as its own defined syndrome. Opponents argue there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting the existence of adrenal fatigue as a unique condition. There are also no standard laboratory tests for adrenal fatigue.
Proponents counter that the collection of shared symptoms reflects an underlying imbalance that deserves proper medical investigation, even if the exact mechanisms are not yet fully mapped.
As the debate continues, those experiencing persistent exhaustion and other unexplained symptoms are encouraged to seek professional medical advice to identify and appropriately treat any underlying causes or health conditions.
If you feel you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue symptoms, the hormone balance experts at Renew Hormone Clinic can help. Our naturopathic doctors specialize in gentle, holistic treatments tailored to rebalance hormone levels and restore energy.
We offer cutting-edge lab testing to dig deeper and uncover potential causes for your symptoms. Based on a thorough assessment, we develop customized treatment plans that may include dietary changes, botanical medicine, nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes and more.