A lot has been written recently about symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome. The majority of the literature on the subject is by alternative health care practitioners. Some experts claim that adrenal fatigue the 21st century stress syndrome affects 80 percent of adults at some time in their daily lives. It is claimed that the disorder causes excessive fatigue, loss of energy, depression and weight gain. These same researchers claim that adrenal fatigue the 21st century stress syndrome is under diagnosed and not treated appropriately.
The adrenals are small glands located on top of the kidneys and secrete a number of vital hormones like corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, sex hormones and stress hormones. The corticosteroids help us fight off infections, the sex hormones help build the secondary sexual characteristic and stress hormones maintain our blood pressure, boost energy and help with metabolism.
The adrenal fatigue syndrome is missed because many physicians do not know about it or never bother to order the appropriate tests to make the diagnosis. When the disorder is full blown, adrenal fatigue symptoms include excess fatigue, inability to sleep, loss of libido, easy bruising, skin discoloration, weight gain, prone to numerous infections, and unable to fight off stress in a healthy way. Other adrenal fatigue symptoms include emotional lability, depression, apathy, loss of concentration, poor cognition and affect.
Bona fide disorders of the adrenal gland include Cushing’s disease (over activity of the adrenal gland), Addison’s disease (under activity of the adrenal gland) and adrenal burnout syndrome. Typical causes of adrenal gland under activity include infections, nutritional deficiencies, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Individuals who think they may have adrenal fatigue syndrome should discuss the situation with their physician. There are tests which can rapidly detect absence or low levels of adrenal hormones. Most physicians will get tests to ensure that other causes like hypothyroidism (under functioning of the thyroid) or anemia are not responsible for the symptoms.
Once diagnosed, adrenal fatigue treatment is complex and involves use of hormones, nutritional supplements and minerals. Other treatments for adrenal fatigue syndrome include use of anti oxidants, a balanced low fat diet, yoga, detoxification procedures and use of herbal extracts.
Adrenal fatigue syndrome is not an accepted diagnosis in medicine and thus many physicians do not treat this disorder. Individuals who think they have this disorder should seek several opinions and read about the disorder. Consumers should understand that symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome are serious and should not be treated with questionable therapies without first talking to an experienced health care professional.

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