Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Adrenal fatigue
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition of the body in which the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce adequate hormones, notably cortisol, the stress hormone of the body. This condition is currently widely unrecognized by the medical community. However, this fact accompanied by many people suffering gave rise to an industry of supplements and treatments for this syndrome. General practitioners and psychologists routinely mistake symptoms of adrenal fatigue for other illnesses, especially mental. Therefore the patients must be very careful in locating a helpful practitioner to help them in their recovery, before spending their time and money on various supplements and treatments. There is large confusion regarding the relation of this syndrome to another very misunderstood syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome. The two may have common symptoms and it is difficult to distinguish.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Historical Perspective
Overview
Historical Perspective
As of 2008, adrenal fatigue is not an accepted medical diagnosis in the US. It has gained popularity primarily through alternative-medicine books; Which claim to offer cures for this disorder, which is allegedly ignored by the mainstream medical community.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Classification
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References
Pathophysiology
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References
Causes
Overview
Causes
- Adrenal fatigue is not typically caused by one source, rather a host of lifestyle factors that contribute to adrenal fatigue as a whole.
- Such contributing factors include:
- Stress (physical and emotional)
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Significant use of stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines)
- Lack of refreshing sleep
- Lack of relaxation
- Illness
- Being overworked
- Being post-surgery, as well as other stressors.
- Adrenal stress tends to occur suddenly after a serious illness or stressful point in life.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Differentiating Adrenal fatigue from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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References
Risk Factors
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References
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | CT | MRI | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]