Adrenal Fatigue: A Contoversial Syndrome
The adrenal glands, associated with stress, adrenaline, action, energy, and sexual appetite are important and somewhat complex little walnut-shaped glands.
The orange-colored endocrine glands known as the adrenal glands are located on the tops of both kidneys. They are triangular in shape, and measure about one-half inch in height and three inches in length. Each gland consists of a medulla (the center of the gland) which is surrounded by the cortex. The medulla is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline). Other hormones necessary for fluid and electrolyte balance in the body are also produced, such as cortisone and aldosterone. The adrenal cortex also makes sex hormones but this only becomes important if overproduction is present. (http://www.endocrineweb.com/adrenal.html)
Many of us feel we are suffering from something yet we cannot put our finger on exactly what it is. Constant fatigue, aches and pains, low energy and even changes in appetite and sleep habits interfere with our daily lives and leave us feeling drained and even depressed.
In the course of attempting to figure out what is going on with us physically we may run into a number of different diagnoses and theories.
One controversial diagnosis is that of a syndrome known as adrenal fatigue. The symptoms of this syndrome, according to a website called "Natural Healing and Back Care" include, but are not limited to:
1. Excessive fatigue and exhaustion, chronic fatigue
2. Non-refreshing sleep
3. Sleep disturbance, insomnia
4. Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
5. Craving salty and/or sweet foods
6. Sensitivity to light
7. Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise
8. Slow to recover from injury or illness
9. Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
10. Poor digestion
11. Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS
12. Low immune function
13. Premenstrual syndrome
14. Menopause symptoms
15. Low blood pressure
16. Sensitivity to cold
17. Fearfulness
18. Allergies
19. Frequent influenza
20. Arthritis
21. Anxiety
22. Irritability
23. Depression
24. Reduced memory
25. Low libido, sexual drive or interest
26. Lack of lust for life and/or food
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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