Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe supposed adrenal exhaustion. It is claimed to cause body-wide symptoms like fatigue, body aches, and sleep disturbance. However, adrenal fatigue is not an accepted medical diagnosis.
While feelings of persistent fatigue are real for many people, there is no scientific proof that "adrenal fatigue" is the true cause. Legitimate medical conditions like sleep disorder, depression, thyroid disease, or vitamin deficiencies can also cause similar symptoms.
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenals are two small glands that sit above the kidneys. They help regulate the body's stress response by producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
What happens in adrenal fatigue?
Advocates claim that intense or prolonged stress can overwork and "exhaust" the adrenal glands. This supposed fatigue then leaves the body struggling to produce enough cortisol and adrenaline.
What are the claimed symptoms?
Reported adrenal fatigue symptoms are vague and can include:
Is there any research evidence?
There have been no large-scale studies proving the existence of adrenal fatigue. Some experts doubt adrenal exhaustion is a real phenomenon at all.
Blood tests might show lower cortisol levels in people with adrenal fatigue symptoms. However, these modest changes likely reflect normal fluctuations. They do not prove the adrenals are failing to cope with stress.
How is it supposedly treated?
Proposed adrenal fatigue treatments involve removing stressors, dietary changes, sleep management, gentle exercise, and supplements. But no specific treatment has been scientifically proven effective.
The bottom line
Feelings of unrefreshing fatigue are frustratingly vague yet common. While promising an easily-treatable cause, adrenal fatigue lacks scientific support. Other complex health problems likely underlie persistent exhaustion in most cases.
Anyone with chronic fatigue should be evaluated by a doctor for underlying medical and mental health conditions before adopting unproven self-treatments. The true root issues must be addressed in order to find real relief.