Is Adrenal Fatigue a Real Thing?

Endocrinology, Medicine

Is there an adrenal fatigue test? : No, adrenal fatigue is not a real diagnosis.

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Adrenal fatigue is a word for symptoms that people under long-term stress might feel: sleep problems, cravings, tiredness and fatigue, digestive issues, and body or muscle aches. The idea that long-term emotional or physical stress overworks the adrenal gland, causing an adrenal gland burnout, has not been proven, though. The adrenal fatigue syndrome is not considered to be a real diagnosis and is based only on theory. But for someone suffering from adrenal fatigue symptoms, the feelings are real.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms include sleep problems, cravings, tiredness and fatigue, digestive issues, and body or muscle aches.

Adrenal fatigue treatment? What lifestyle or health factors can improve adrenal function?

Adrenal fatigue test?: sleeping problems may be causing your symptoms.

The sleep cycle is the major lifestyle factor that can affect the adrenal gland. Abnormal sleeping patterns can directly and negatively influence your pituitary hormone A.C.T.H., the hormone responsible for controlling the adrenal gland’s production of cortisol. There are also health factors that can affect our adrenal function. The most common cause of true adrenal dysfunction is medication. The use of steroids for inflammatory conditions or osteoarthritis can, over time, slow your body’s ability to make cortisol. Following closely with your healthcare provider can ensure your prescribed steroids are used sparingly and tapered appropriately. 

Tips for addressing symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome

  • Keeping normal sleeping hours is important to help prevent fatigue.  A regular sleeping pattern should help keep the circadian rhythm working normally.
  • Avoid supplements that are labeled as providing “adrenal support.” These over-the-counter supplements are not regulated by the F.D.A.(Food and Drug Administration.) If these medications were to contain cortisol-like hormones, they could actually suppress your body’s own cortisol if used for long periods of time.

For more information on adrenal fatigue.:
The Endocrine Society argues against adrenal fatigue as a real diagnosis as there has been no strong research.

Adrenal fatigue should not be confused with adrenal insufficiency, a rare medical condition which can be diagnosed in the lab. 

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue should not be confused with Adrenal Failure.
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Last Modified: Aug 15, 2020 @ 4:49 pm
About the Author
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Chris Palmeiro D.O. M.Sc.

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Dr. Christopher Palmeiro serves as the Medical Director of Telehealth for Moonlighting Solutions.  He is also the Medical Director of the Inpatient Endocrinology Telemedicine Program at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Southern New Jersey.  Additionally, Dr. Palmeiro serves Native American patients, in the Midwestern United States, via the Avera E-Care Specialty Telemedicine platform. Prior to his current positions, Dr. Palmeiro completed his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Westchester Medical Center. He completed both his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center in Manhattan. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.  Dr. Palmeiro completed a Master of Science degree in clinical nutrition while in medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and was the first graduate of an innovative program that incorporated this degree into the medical school curriculum, earning him the John J. Theobald Graduate Achievement award.  

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