Adrenal fatigue syndrome

I don't like labels, but 'adrenal fatigue syndrome' is mentioned more and more.

Labels do not reflect the enormous complexity of human nature and the links between what happens in part of our body with another part.  Did you know, for example, that your adrenal glands work together with your thyroid.

So often 'labels' stick, as if they are somehow exacting and professionals prescribe treatment for the condition (label) rather than looking at the whole person.

Nevertheless, I do think that the term adrenal fatigue syndrome organises the diversity of body/mind responses to, and fall-out from, prolonged stress very well.  That is why I have written this page.  I hope the information will help you on the road to recovery from having worn out adrenals back to your 'old self'.

Support from your partner or spouse?

Be sure to let your partner/spouse, or other loved ones, read this too.  It may help them to understand that you have been your 'normal' self due to 'adrenal gland fatigue'.  I recognise though that your relationship/marriage may be one of your sources of stress and if so, support may be thin on the ground.  Hang on in there, I hope to be able to help you with the all the information on my site.

At the bottom of this article I'll point you towards my page on adrenal fatigues symptoms, then you may begin to understand even more clearly what is happening with you.

So, if you are (or someone else you know is) suffering from massive stress, read on ... help is at hand.

Do you want to make a start with sorthing yourself out right away?  Then let me direct you to a programme I recommend without hesitation.  It is called the Panic Miracle, but don't stare yourself blind on that - it is great for anyone suffering from excessive amounts of stress.

In or out of control of your symptoms

Perhaps I can help you to gain some insight into adrenal fatigue syndrome and with that a sense of ownership and control.  The latter are especially important when you are likely to feel so frighteningly out of control.

The information on this page will help you in your discussions with your doctor, counsellor/psychotherapist, nutritionist or other health professional about adrenal fatigue syndrome.  You are more likely to feel confident in making joint decisions what to do about your anxiety, depression and general fatigue, etc.

The workings of your adrenal gland

Your adrenal glands sit at the top of your kidneys and are about the size of a walnut.

They send 'messages' in the form of chemicals - hormones - to muster appropriate resources in your body/mind to deal with whatever goes on in your internal and external environment.

You adrenal glands manufacture and secrete:

• adrenaline (epinephrine)
• cortisol - the 'stress hormone'
• oestrogen
• testosterone
• other hormones

Your adrenals also respond to the withdrawal of those stressors - the quiet after the storm.

What do the adrenal glands do?

The adrenal glands react to every shift and nuance in tandem with what is happening inside your body and external events of your every day life.  They are constantly turning processes up and down according to need.  When your body works well and stresses are not excessive and - more importantly - prolonged, you won't suffer from adrenal gland fatigue.

When it comes to an increase in stress - your relationship is in trouble, your kids 'misbehave' all the time, your financial worries are getting on top of you, you suffer from excessive stress at work, etc, your adrenals are particularly on guard.  They are like 2 members of your 24/7 personal protection team.

You adrenal glands ensure an immediate response to an 'assault' (in the widest sense) or indeed perceived attack on your well-being and sense of safety and security.  You will have available all the resources needed to fight or flee (or 'tend and befriend' - more often women).

The stressors you are exposed to differ greatly from those your adrenal glands were designed for.  In ancient times the stressors human beings had to deal with were more likely to have been of short duration.  No wonder then that you are more likely to suffer from adrenal fatigue syndrome after a prolonged and/or highly stressful situation or event.  This is where your adrenal glands start to affect the normal function of your thyroid, which may be the cause of your underperforming thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

To learn more about present day's stressors, visit my pages on The biggest causes of stress (see links).

It will be immediately apparent that these stressors are much more likely to be longer lasting and accumulative.  Therefore these kind of events are much more likely to exhaust the adrenal glands.

I hope you understand now how adrenal fatigue symptoms come about, but be sure to also visit my other pages on adrenal gland fatigue.

From pressure to stress

What about you? Let's look at what might turn pressure into stress for you. What might put you at risk of developing adrenal fatigue syndrome?

To determine your risk factors, you need to take the following into consideration:

• your perception of the stressor, rather than what exactly it is
• the length of time you are exposed to a stressful situation
• your personality
• your personal history and development - mental and physical
• your family history
• your genes

If you are suffering from mental or physical health problems, please do not attempt to self-diagnose based on the information on these pages.  Please consult your health-care provider/physician to discuss the information I have provided.

Part 2: Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms.  Part 3: Adrenal Fatigue Treatment

You may also be interested in:
Depression questionnaire Symptoms of a nervous breakdown Stress and your relationship The biggest causes of stress Insomnia and treatments Physical effects of sleep deprivation

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News:

26 May 2011 - Press release: Adrenal fatigue - unrecognised and under-treated

Images courtesy of: 1 Billy Alexander; 2 Karen winton; 3 Mia; 4 Gözde Otman; 5 Konrad Baranski

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