Many people suffer from stressed-out, tired adrenal glands, though don’t understand the implications of this common problem. Often we attribute ongoing fatigue and declining stamina to the aging process and accept a lower level of vitality as part of “getting older.” There may be more to this picture than simple aging, however. Other typical symptoms associated with adrenal stress include allergies, hypoglycemia, chronic headaches, inflammation such as aches and pains, and autoimmune disorders. Weak adrenals can cause or aggravate many other health problems in an individual.

What are the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands are endocrine organs that sit on top of the kidneys. They regulate many processes in the body. Most commonly known as the “flight or fight” glands, they produce hormones which propel us into action when we are under stress. During acute stress, the adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are released in response to overwhelming fear, anger, or potential danger. They serve to “super-charge” the body for action. Excessive release of these hormones over time can accelerate aging and increase risk for chronic degenerative disease.

The adrenal cortex responds to more chronic stress – that is, all stressors on the body other than immediate ones. For example, lack of sleep, skipping meals, abuse of drugs, chronic grief or worry are all stressful to the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is a major producer of steroid hormones. Cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, cholesterol, pregnenolone, progesterone, and aldosterone are all hormones manufactured in the adrenal cortex. Among these hormones, cortisol and aldosterone are uniquely produced by the adrenal glands.

Cortisol has many important functions such as regulating blood sugar, affecting the conversion of fats and protein into energy (and the distribution of stored fat in the body), proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function, and immune system balance. Aldosterone is a mineralcorticoid that regulates fluid, sodium, and potassium levels which affects energy.

What causes weak adrenals?

In healthy people, adrenal glands are loaded with cortisol and aldosterone. When there is stress, and more energy is needed, increased hormones are released. However, when stress levels exceed the adrenals ability to respond, they make and release all the hormones they can. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with more rapid aging and cognitive decline. This is one way in which stress affects our ability to think clearly.

With ongoing stress, the adrenal glands ultimately become depleted and we become exhausted. We may recover with a few days of rest, but the cycle often repeats itself.

After a few months or years of chronic stress, the adrenal glands become weakened and are unable to do their job. Chronic fatigue and immune disorders may develop.

It matters not to the body what kind of stress is involved. This means that physical, emotional, or psychological stressors all have the potential to weaken the adrenal glands. Common causes of weak adrenals include prolonged physical illness, poor diet, drugs (recreational or prescription), excessive sugar, caffeine or alcohol, job stress, relationship disharmony, and financial worries.

What to do about it?

Medical opinion can be polarized on the subject of adrenal function. Many physicians view a person as either normal or as having Addison’s disease (complete adrenal failure), with nothing in between. Other, more holistic-minded health care providers can recognize the signs and symptoms of weak adrenals and offer accurate testing and safe treatment. Many effective treatments exist to help the person with weak adrenal glands. Often, when the adrenals are supported with a comprehensive protocol aimed at strengthening adrenal function, other chronic health conditions improve as well.