Is there really a disease, or medical condition, known as " adrenal fatigue'? In researching this yesterday, I found several different opinions on this. First, I will give you the " Cliff Notes" version on the adrenal glands and their relationship with the thyroid.
When danger, real or perceived, is presented, this message goes to the amygdala( for most people this is the favorite part of the brain) which sends a message to the hypothalamus( another part of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system). The hypothalamus then sends out an alarm to the pituitary gland (it is a pea sized gland that rents a small condo at the base of the hypothalamus). At this point,the pituitary gland sends out a message to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, which are endocrine glands, are located on the top of each kidney. When the 911 alarm system is activated, the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline and cortisol ( they like to make other hormones, but we will not talk about them here).
Lets say that a bear was after you. The adrenaline and cortisol secreted in this " fight or flight" situation would be very helpful in saving your life, potentially. The problem is when the adrenal glands keep getting the signal, " DANGER, DANGER", and there is no bear in the vicinity- only everyday stresses, that while are, well, stressful, put our bodies in a state of chronic stress. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland also regulate thyroid production hormones. In times of extreme stress, the thyroid gland slows the production of thyroid hormone as well as the conversion of T4 to T3. Remember that T4 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone, and is converted to T3- the actual fuel that drives the bus.
I think that everyone agrees that stress can cause many problems- lowered immunity, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, irritability, anxiety, and the list goes on. The term " Adrenal Fatigue" was coined in 1998 by a chiropractor by the name of James Wilson. At this point, I would like to say that the Harvard Medical School, as well as the Endocrinology Society do NOT recognize the condition known as " Adrenal Fatigue". The official statement is this: " No scientific proof exists to support adrenal fatigue as a true medical condition."
That said, some practitioners of naturopathic medicine do believe that adrenal fatigue exists, and will do exams, tests and treatment for what they consider to be a medical condition. The test for adrenal fatigue usually, but not always, consists of either a urine, blood, or saliva sample test for cortisol levels. The saliva tests can also be obtained by the patient on line. The validity and accuracy of these tests is subject to debate. Those who believe in adrenal fatigue as a medical condition, as you would expect, believe that the tests are an accurate measure of adrenal fatigue. The established medical community- endocrinologists,many health care providers- do not support the belief that cortisol tests are an accurate predictor of " adrenal fatigue".
Other treatments for adrenal fatigue can include lifestyle changes- better sleep, more sleep, dietary changes, exercise, meditation- you know, all of the things that everyone should be doing for better health. Sometimes herbal supplements are recommended. Remember that the supplements are "medications" and can have side effects just like traditional medicines. Herbal supplements can also interact with any prescription medications, so be sure to ask your pharmacist and physician before adding any supplements.
The symptoms that are associated with adrenal fatigue are symptoms that could be attributed to many other medical conditions. Difficulty sleeping, poor immunity, chronic fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, brain fog,etc. could be caused by thyroid, liver, kidney disease- just to name a few. Those of us who have had thyroid cancer, and our thyroid glands removed, are understandably struggling with the above mentioned symptoms. Just the stress of having had cancer added to the adjustments in our thyroid replacement hormone medication(s) can take a toll on our everyday life. Could we also have adrenal fatigue? Does this even exist? I wish that I could give a definitive answer to these questions, but so far, there is no hard evidence to support the case for adrenal fatigue. I will encourage anyone who is not feeling well, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, to seek medical attention. It may be necessary to explore all options with one's physician to rule out any other medical conditions.
In the meantime, practicing self care on a daily basis will help with just about anything. Sleeping well, eating a good diet- one that is sustainable, getting exercise that you enjoy( for me it is dancing and walking), reading a good book, and practicing gratitude are things that can help with stress relief. And we all sure do need that now...
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