Adrenal fatigue

Updated: 2023-05-11

Description

A term that is used to describe a broad group of symptoms, including body aches and tiredness.

Overview

Adrenal fatigue isn't a true medical condition. It's a term for a group of general symptoms. Some people claim without proof that adrenal fatigue happens when long-term stress affects how well the adrenal glands work. The adrenal glands make hormones that help control metabolism, the immune system and other important functions.

Symptoms

Adrenal fatigue symptoms are said to include body aches, tiredness, nervousness, sleep problems and digestive issues. Body aches and tiredness can be symptoms of a real medical condition called adrenal insufficiency. With adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands don't make enough of certain hormones.

Treatments

Adrenal fatigue isn't an accepted medical condition. No treatment for it exists. But the term "adrenal fatigue" can be used to describe real symptoms. A person with ongoing symptoms should get a health care checkup. It's important to find the true cause of the symptoms. If a health problem is the cause, the correct treatment can be started.