The adrenal gland is a set of glands on top of the kidneys that produce cortisol, aldosterone, sex steroids and adrenaline. Cortisol is a hormone that is increased during stress. There is a theory that chronic stress can drain the adrenal dry of cortisol, leading to inadequate cortisol, which is called adrenal fatigue. However, the proponents of this theory believe that routine blood tests cannot detect this deficiency.
However, modern science does not agree with this. People can have various degrees of adrenal deficiency detected by blood tests. This deficiency is not due to chronic stress but various diseases that destroy the adrenal cells.
If you have tiredness, low blood pressure, nausea, loss of hair, or sleep problems, meet an endocrinologist to find out if you have any hormonal issues. Don’t self-administer steroids or any adrenal supplements. They could be potentially dangerous.
So, adrenal fatigue is not a medically recognized disease. Chronic stress does not cause adrenals to fatigue. Hence, try to alleviate your stress with other lifestyle measures like yoga and regular exercise and treat your symptoms only after proper medical consultation.
Dr. Deepa G, MHSc (Diab), Dip (Diab)