The adrenals are small glands that sit on top of each Kidney. They are responsible for producing many hormones. One of the most important adrenal hormones is cortisol.
“Adrenal Fatigue” is a controversial condition. Doctors are taught in medical school that the adrenals are either fully functioning, or not functioning at all, which is a disorder known as Addison’s disease.
An increasing number of doctors are however forming the opinion that there is an intermediate zone of adrenal function where the adrenals are producing cortisol, but not in sufficient quantities for optimum health. This has been called “adrenal fatigue” or “adrenal exhaustion”. It is thought that this state can arise if a person is subject to …show more content…
Causes of Adrenal Exhaustion
Our modern lifestyle is the main reason for adrenal exhaustion or burnout. The glands suffer when they’re heavily over-used. While the mind may remain full of ideas and always active, the body can at times fail to keep up. Factors that put stress on the adrenal glands include: constant mental, physical or emotional stress.
• physical injury
• unhealthy or poor diet
• high use of caffeine or other similar stimulants
• too little sleep
• traffic or noise pollution
For many people many of these factors are quite common in their daily lifestyle & these have a negative effect on their health. Adrenal exhaustion can even cause early ageing with reported cases of women showing signs of menopause as early as their mid-thirties.
Treatment of Adrenal Fatigue
It is possible to treat this condition and there are three basic categories into which the treatment can be divided:
• Integrative and anti-aging medicines
• Nutritional and herbal support
• Re-energizing practices and lifestyle changes
Doctors suggest that the following time frames may be necessary to achieve full recovery:
• 6 to 9 months for minor