Adrenal fatigue is a collective term for a series of various conditions that affect the regular functioning of the adrenal glands. It is usually linked with stress and anxiety, which, unlike, normal the normal stressful feeling, doesn’t subside easily through rest and relaxation.
In order to perform various mental and physical activities, the adrenal glands produce the hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline, when released in greater amounts, makes a person highly energetic and enthusiastic, thus enabling him to do various tasks without feeling tired easily. However, when the adrenal glands function in levels lower than normal, the person would begin to feel exhausted, restless and frustrated for no apparent reason.
Adrenal fatigue is a syndrome which can either be a sign of an underlying illness, or a result of a current condition a person is suffering. The said syndrome usually arises in respiratory problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis or influenza, as well as other chronic infections. There are also times when adrenal fatigue takes place when a person is about to suffer from anxiety or panic attacks and other emotional disorders.
There are also substances which may trigger the onset of adrenal fatigue in persons who are believed to be in good health. These substances include stimulants such as caffeine and steroids, which help a lot in keeping a person awake and energetic throughout the day.
Aside from bouts of restlessness, persons with adrenal fatigue usually feel unwell and disoriented, utterly sad and sometimes, depressed. Normally the body begins to get back its glow and cheerful disposition after a good night’s sleep, however, in persons suffering from the said condition, the blue, melancholic and unwell feeling continues to linger for quite a number of days more.
Adrenal fatigue can cause further problems to one’s health if left unattended. This is because whenever the adrenal glands face fatigue, they begin to work slowly, and in turn you feel weak and easily tired. A person suffering from adrenal fatigue may not be able to sit up straight due to lack of adequate strength, and would rather stay in bed not only for hours, but for a number of days. Also, the body organs lose their power to function as the fatigue takes place, since they get their energy to function normally from adrenaline hormones.
Adrenal fatigue also affects one’s behavior. Among the psychological changes the syndrome may contribute include fast-changing moods, poor sleeping habits, as well as reduced sex drive. Metabolism is also reduced significantly, thus making the person susceptible to obesity. Due to the said condition, a person’s fluid, electrolytes, blood sugar and fats drop fast, causing him to feel extremely weak. Lastly, one would notice poor cardiovascular activity while suffering from the said condition.
Adrenal fatigue has been known with many names throughout history; the condition is also known as sub-clinical hypoadrenia, non-Addison’s hypoadrenia, adrenal apathy and neurasthenia. And while it has already been diagnosed as a problematic health condition, no proven medical solutions and therapies have been discovered to treat the said syndrome.