What is adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is not a recognised medical condition.

Adrenal fatigue is a term used by some alternative health practitioners to explain tiredness and other symptoms. They believe these symptoms are caused by chronic (long-term) exposure to stressful situations.

Many studies have failed to prove that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition. Trying to treat it without a proper diagnosis can be risky.

Adrenal insufficiency

Your adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. They make hormones, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones help your body respond to stress.

Adrenal insufficiency is a serious but rare medical condition where the adrenal glands don't make enough hormones. It is also called Addison's disease. Adrenal insufficiency is a recognised medical condition. It is not the same as adrenal fatigue.

Your doctor can diagnose adrenal insufficiency with blood tests that show low adrenal hormone levels. These tests are usually normal in people who are told they have adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms of Addison's disease may include:

• fatigue (tiredness)
• body aches
• unexplained weight loss
• low blood pressure
• light-headedness
• loss of body hair
• skin discolouration

What are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue?

Some people believe adrenal fatigue is a condition that causes fatigue (tiredness). Other symptoms people link to adrenal fatigue include:

• trouble falling asleep
• trouble waking up
• salt and sugar cravings
• weight gain

These symptoms are common in many other conditions. It's important to see your doctor to find out the cause.

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What causes adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is thought to be caused by 'overuse' of the adrenal glands. Some believe this happens because of ongoing exposure to:

• mental stress
• emotional stress
• physical stress

The theory of adrenal fatigue was first introduced in 1998 by a chiropractor. However, scientific studies have not found evidence that this condition exists.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have unexplained fatigue or have been told you have adrenal fatigue, check with your doctor. They can make sure there isn't another cause for your tiredness.

Your doctor may ask you about your symptoms and do some tests to rule out other health problems. You may have another underlying health issue, such as:

• iron deficiency
• hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels)
• a stress-related exhaustion disorder
• adrenal insufficiency

There are many reasons why people feel tired all the time. Finding the cause can be difficult.

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How is adrenal fatigue diagnosed?

There are no specific tests for adrenal fatigue.

If you have unexplained fatigue or exhaustion that doesn't go away after resting, see your doctor. They may refer you for blood tests to check if you have a medical condition.

How is adrenal fatigue treated?

Although adrenal fatigue is not a recognised medical condition, you may be advised to:

• eat a healthy diet
• exercise more
• get more sleep
• avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs and caffeine

Some practitioners may suggest you take supplements for adrenal fatigue.

Be cautious with supplements marketed for adrenal health, as they may not be safe or effective. Some untested supplements can have harmful effects. They may interfere with your body's ability to produce hormones naturally.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplements. Make sure that they don't react with your other medicines.

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What are the complications of adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is not a recognised medical condition, so trying to treat symptoms without proper diagnosis can be risky.

Taking adrenal supplements when you don't need them can stop your adrenal glands from working properly. This makes it harder for your body to handle stress.

If you stop these supplements suddenly, your adrenal glands may take months to recover. This can lead to adrenal crisis, a serious condition that leads to extreme weakness and low blood pressure.

Believing you have adrenal fatigue may also delay finding the real cause of your symptoms. If you feel tired all the time, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can adrenal fatigue be prevented?

To help reduce your symptoms, focus on creating healthy habits.

Avoid smoking, alcohol and party drugs. These can affect overall wellbeing.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet and maintaining a consistent sleep routine can help your body manage stress better.

Resources and support

For more information on the adrenal glands and adrenal gland issues:

• Queensland Health provides a podcast about adrenal glands and how they work.
• Hormones Australia offers information about the adrenal glands and their hormones.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.