Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 1:58 p.m.
Read more: Health, Optum, Adrenal Fatigue
By Louis Neipris, M.D., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
Provided by 
Are you running on adrenaline and running out of steam? Adrenaline is also called epinephrine. It is one of several hormones made by the adrenal glands. These and other hormones secreted by the adrenals, like cortisol and aldosterone, help the body work during stressful situations.
But, like some ads and Web sites imply: Can overworked adrenal glands simply wear out?
Not really. Chronic stress can certainly take a toll on the body, and there are conditions that affect the functioning of the adrenal glands. But "adrenal fatigue" - also called "adrenal exhaustion" - is not an accepted medical diagnosis. Despite this, there are many ads and Web sites that sell supplements to treat or cure adrenal fatigue. They promise relief for those with hard-to-diagnose symptoms like fatigue. But doctors warn: don't fall for the hype.
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So, what conditions can affect the adrenal glands?
Adrenal glands are hardy little workers, so illnesses that affect them are somewhat rare. One of the most common of these rare conditions is called adrenal insufficiency.
Adrenal insufficiency is when not enough adrenal hormones are produced. Hormone production is a complicated cascade of events that governs almost all of our body's functions. Adrenal insufficiency can develop when something in this process goes awry.
One cause of adrenal insufficiency is Addison's disease. This can result from an autoimmune disorder. The body's own immune system fails to recognize its own cells and attacks them. Addison's disease is not a common condition, though.
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Adrenal insufficiency can also be due to surgery to remove the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands. It can also be caused by stopping steroid medicine too quickly if you have been on it for a while. Some types of chronic infections or cancer can also affect the adrenal glands.
Laboratory tests are the only way to tell if you have adrenal insufficiency.
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Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency
- Weakness and fatigue
- Poor appetite, nausea, weight loss
- Skin color changes
- Muscle or joint pain
- Salt cravings
- Abdominal pain
Adrenal insufficiency can also cause low blood pressure. This can cause dizziness, especially upon standing.
How is it treated?
The main treatment for adrenal insufficiency is to take replacement hormones called glucorticoids. These include hydrocortisone and prednisone. The hormones act like the natural hormone cortisol in your body that is decreased or missing. Another hormone that may need to be replaced is aldosterone. This is replaced by an aldosterone-like synthetic steroid, fludrocortisone (Florinef) tablets.
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First step: see your doctor
In our fast-paced and stressful society, fatigue is a common problem. And sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint the cause. It's important to see your doctor if you have ongoing fatigue or other symptoms so you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Related link: Symptoms and Treatment for Underactive Thyroid
