When it comes to conditions that are associated with some form of fatigue, one term that is tossed around a lot is “adrenal fatigue.” Based on a postulated theory, adrenal fatigue is used to describe a condition in which a malfunctioning adrenal gland produces fatigue-related symptoms that are primarily caused by physical, emotional and mental stress. From the perspective of medical science, adrenal fatigue is still a working hypothesis, meaning that there is not enough pragmatic and empirical evidence to substantiate the postulation that this is a legitimate condition, according to Eric Metcalf, MPH.
Understanding the Function of the Adrenal Gland
First of all, it is important to understand that although there is not yet scientific validation of the existence of adrenal fatigue does not mean that the condition, as it is described by those who believe in its existence, does not exist. When the function of the adrenal gland is understood, it is highly likely that an adrenal gland that is overproducing cortisol could very easily be contributing to feelings of fatigue. There is a wealth of empirical evidence that suggests that the persistent presence of cortisol in the body can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system and muscle development.
As with any health condition, it is not wise to attempt to self-diagnose and self-treat the condition. There are a number of exceptional health and wellness clinics that offer diagnostic services that will help individuals determine the cause of their particular symptoms.
Identifying the Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Because there are a number of symptoms that mimic one another, being aware of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue may not help you completely narrow down what you are experiencing; however, it may put you in close proximity to understanding what it is that may be causing your feelings of fatigue.
Some of the most common symptoms that are associated with adrenal fatigue are:
Chronic tiredness, which is persistent, even when you first awaken in the morning
Extreme difficulty gathering the energy to get out of bed
Difficulty in producing clear thought patterns
The inability to focus on and complete tasks
While these symptoms can be associated with other conditions, it is a good idea to mention them to the specialist when going through the diagnostic process.
Conditions that Produce the Same Symptoms
Although the aforementioned symptoms are commonly associated with adrenal fatigue, there are other conditions that have the potential to produce the same symptoms, including:
Poorly managed nutritional intake
Depression
Insufficient sleep and/or poor sleep habits
Elevated levels of stress at work or home
Any of these conditions have the potential to negatively impact energy levels with the involvement of the adrenal gland. Anemia and diabetes also have the ability produce these same symptoms of fatigue.
Regardless of whether you feel that you may be experiencing adrenal fatigue or not, it is a good idea to seek professional assistance in engaging the cause. Any condition that produces fatigue at a level that is debilitating should be treated progressively.