Adrenal glands above the kidneys secrete hormones, including cortisol, which helps to combat stress. Chronic stress can cause adrenal fatigue, leading to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Adrenal exhaustion can occur if symptoms persist, leading to severe health complications.
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and sit directly above the kidneys. They secrete any number of hormones, including the anti-stress hormone cortisol. The primary cause of adrenal fatigue and exhaustion is stress, which can include physical, emotional, mental, or environmental stress. Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion generally include chronic fatigue, blood pressure changes, depression, recurring infections, decreased sex drive, brain fog, fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia, and insomnia. For this reason the adrenal glands play an important role in the body’s line of defense against stress.
In the presence of chronic stress, the adrenal glands can become dysfunctional. During this condition, the body may require excessive amounts of cortisol. Over time, the adrenal glands may become unable to keep up with the body’s demands for this stress-relieving hormone.
Adrenal fatigue gradually progresses as the adrenal glands become less able to handle stress. The third stage of adrenal fatigue is known as adrenal exhaustion. In this phase, cortisol production gradually decreases and the affected person is no longer able to function normally during the day.
While in a state of adrenal exhaustion, the body’s main priority is to conserve energy to ensure survival. Begins to break down muscle tissue as an energy source; at this point, symptoms of adrenal exhaustion typically appear. Exercise capacity is reduced due to muscle wasting, and fibromyalgia, depression, and chronic fatigue set in. Toxic metabolites build up, thus causing brain fog and insomnia. Adrenaline rushes, hypoglycemic episodes, fluctuating blood pressure, and anxiety attacks can all be experienced as the body tries to repair itself.
If the body is unable to recover, more symptoms of adrenal exhaustion may appear as the body reduces non-essential functions in another attempt to conserve energy. Typically, libido is reduced, metabolism is slowed down, and digestion is impaired. Fatigue can become severe and the affected person can spend most of the day in bed.
The final stage of adrenal fatigue, known as adrenal insufficiency, can occur if symptoms of adrenal exhaustion are allowed to persist. People with adrenal insufficiency are at high risk of cardiovascular collapse and death. Signs of adrenal insufficiency may include severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and sudden pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs. To avoid serious health complications, symptoms of adrenal exhaustion typically should be addressed as soon as possible.
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