FACTS ON UNDERSTANDING ADRENAL FATIGUE

Today's generation is more prone to being bombarded with all kinds of stressors especially with the rise of Social Media with all the psychological effects on a person. Not to mention the common pressures of everyday life such as pollution, traffic, work deadlines to finish, mortgages and rents to pay, relationships to fix, lack of sleep, even the overall health condition of the body. There are so many things going on that people tend to care less about their health, even oftentimes making it the least of their priorities. The result is, less productivity and more anxiety. Some studies suggest that around 80% of people who experience this have some sort of health issue. One theory suggests that a chronically stressful lifestyle can have a profound effect on the body especially to our Endocrine system where our everyday hormones are produced. There are some parts of the Endocrine system greatly affected by chronic stress, an example would be the Adrenal glands.

I. WHAT ARE ADRENAL GLANDS?

The Adrenal Glands are glands that are found on top of each kidney and are made up of two distinct parts. The Adrenal Cortex and the Adrenal Medulla. Their name directly relates to their location (ad—near or at; renes—kidneys)

The outer part of the gland is known as the Adrenal Cortex. It produces essential hormones for the body. These essential hormones are critical for the body to function properly, without them the body will deteriorate and slowly die.

The inner part of the gland is known as the Adrenal Medulla. It produces nonessential hormones that are important but not critical enough for the body to deteriorate without them.

II. WHAT ARE THE HORMONES PRODUCED? The Adrenal cortex produces: Cortisol It is the main glucocorticoid hormone. It is essential as it helps control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation. It has a controlling effect on salt and water balance and helps control blood pressure. Cortisol can also regulate the energy within the human body and helps the body resist the stressful effects of diseases, injury, and temperature extremes. Enabling the body to maintain stable emotions. Aldosterone It is the main mineralocorticoid hormone. It is essential for sodium conservation in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands, and colon. It plays a central role in the homeostatic regulation of blood pressure, plasma sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) levels. It has an indirect influence on water retention or water loss that affects blood pressure, and blood volume. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) It is an endogenous steroid hormone. It functions as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the androgen and estrogen sex steroids. However, DHEA also has a variety of potential biological effects in its own right such as helping protect and improve bone density, protect cardiovascular wellness by maintaining "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels under management, provides energy, sharpens the brain, and helps maintain regular sleep routines. The Adrenal Medulla produces: Epinephrine Commonly known by its other name—adrenaline. This hormone rapidly responds to stress by increasing your heart rate and rushing blood to the muscles and brain. It also spikes your blood sugar level by helping convert glycogen to glucose in the liver. (Glycogen is the liver’s storage form of glucose.) Epinephrine prepares our bodies for conflict. Essentially a fight-or-flight response. The pupils dilate, the mind sharpens, as well as tolerance to pain increases. Norepinephrine Also known as noradrenaline, this hormone works with epinephrine in responding to stress. However, it can cause vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels). This results in high blood pressure. As a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and increases alertness and arousal, and speeds reaction time. It also plays a role in a person's mood and ability to concentrate. III. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ADRENAL GLANDS MALFUNCTION? Adrenal glands are small but powerful glands that also work together with different systems of our body. One doctor describes the body's work as a "symphony." He points out, if one element of the symphony stops, others must compensate. So in the body, when one system stops or malfunctions, other systems compensate for the lack of production. One example; if menopause happens to women and andropause for men, the adrenal glands need to pick up the slack by generating larger quantities of hormones to compensate for the declining levels in the body. Sadly, the adrenal glands' well being is paradoxical. Since they are the makers of adrenaline, they are also called the "glands of anxiety." But these glands are also the very first to fail during prolonged or extreme amounts of stress. When the frequency and intensity of all the pressures in life eventually become too great, then over time, the adrenal glands will start to become tired. Too much workload of the adrenal glands results in a diminished function. Leading to a decreased production of adrenal hormones. This in turn contributes to a host of generalized symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, or waking up. Often those who are affected by this need to rely on other stimulants such as caffeine to make it through the day. IV. WHAT IS ADRENAL FATIGUE? "Adrenal fatigue" is a new diagnosis which patients are discovering online or being granted by other medical practitioners. As the fast-paced needs of contemporary life can make many men and women anxious and even sleep-deprived. So they try to investigate via the internet the source of these symptoms, trying to self-diagnose and self-medicate to solve these nagging symptoms. Although medical science does not accept such a diagnosis. Endocrinologists may be tempted to discount an individual's claim of adrenal fatigue, but if taken seriously the individual's complaints and symptoms, can be considered a part of a more serious illness. So physicians must have to warn patients to not accept any unregulated supplements along with other formulations advocated by other unlicensed practitioners. Adrenal fatigue is not a recognized diagnosis by any endocrinology society. However a similar term named, adrenal insufficiency is medically accepted. The glaring problem of the adrenal fatigue theory is that the reported symptoms do not match people having adrenal insufficiency, even if there might be some overlap. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue are mostly nonspecific like being easily exhausted even having difficulty getting out of bed; sleep deprivation; feeling stressed, nervous, or anxious; while always having an urge for sweet and salty snacks coupled with caffeine. Other people who cannot cope with the stress might have a nervous breakdown. A nervous breakdown is an adrenal disorder, or whenever the adrenal glands can not manage the amount of strain they are given. Adrenal fatigue is infrequent, but has become all too prevalent due to our shortage of relaxation as well as other lifestyle factors, like smoking, sleep deprivation, bad eating habits, and excessive caffeine consumption, in addition to allergies. But studies show that there isn't any proof that the stress of daily life may have some effect on the adrenals. Licensed Medical Physicians state that the patients having experienced those symptoms might be given a diagnosis of adrenal fatigue by naturopaths, chiropractors, alternative medical physicians, and herbal physicians. The result would be more detrimental to health as the treatments they use are not scientifically and medically proven. A medically safe suggestion would be to stop worrying too much of any unproven diagnosis and continue to seek to eliminate the unnecessary stressors in life. Consult with a licensed practitioner first before looking at the internet, as it is more safe and practical. Trusting those who had years of study and experience rather than random unproven internet sources can be life-changing instead of life-threatening.