“Adrenal Fatigue” is an informal term suggesting that chronic stress leads to the overuse and eventual “burnout” of adrenal glands. The concept is not widely recognized as an official medical diagnosis, though some practitioners use it to explain symptoms like fatigue, body aches, and difficulty sleeping.
Key Points:
- Controversy: Many experts argue that low cortisol levels (a hallmark of true adrenal insufficiency) cannot be diagnosed or treated simply as “fatigue.”
- Possible Overlaps: Symptoms attributed to “adrenal fatigue” may be linked to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or thyroid issues.
- Management: Lifestyle changes—such as better sleep, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, and regular exercise—can alleviate many of the symptoms people label as “adrenal fatigue.”
