Adrenal exhaustion or adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms that occur in people with adrenal insufficiency.

It is a state of chronic stress that leads to exhaustion, fatigue, and a decrease in physical and mental function. In this article, we will explore the common signs of adrenal exhaustion.

What Is Adrenal Exhaustion?

Adrenal exhaustion, also called adrenal fatigue, is a condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of stress hormones.

This deregulation of hormones arises when the body is under excessive stress, and the adrenal glands are overworked. Long-term exposure to stress can strain the adrenal glands, leading to exhaustion and eventually dysfunction. The symptoms of adrenal exhaustion can resemble those of other common illnesses like depression, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Signs of Adrenal Exhaustion

Adrenal exhaustion symptoms can vary in severity. The following are some common signs and symptoms that you should look out for:.

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is one of the most noticeable signs of adrenal exhaustion. When your adrenal glands are overworking, your body isn’t producing enough energy. Fatigue also tends not to improve with rest and sleep.

Insomnia

People with adrenal exhaustion often experience insomnia or difficulty in sleeping. This is because the overstimulated adrenal glands release cortisol, which keeps you feeling wired and unable to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Anxiety and Depression

A surge of cortisol triggered by stress can cause various psychological symptoms. You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even depressed.

As your cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, you may feel like you’re riding an emotional roller coaster.

Weight Gain

Weight gain, especially in the abdomen area, is a common sign of adrenal exhaustion. This occurs because cortisol promotes fat storage and also interferes with the body’s ability to use stored fat as fuel.

People with adrenal fatigue often crave sugar and carbohydrates to combat their exhaustion, leading to overeating and weight gain.

Brain Fog

Brain fog is a fuzzy feeling you get when your brain seems to be functioning at only partial capacity. It can be a symptom of adrenal exhaustion because the stress hormone cortisol interferes with proper brain function.

You may experience difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and trouble accessing your vocabulary.

Low Blood Pressure

Adrenal exhaustion often leads to low blood pressure, which is because of the decrease in cortisol production.

Cortisol plays an essential role in sustaining blood pressure by increasing blood sugar levels and regulating hydration by promoting salt retention.

Muscle Weakness

Adrenal exhaustion causes your body to break down muscle tissue to create essential sugars that it needs to function. This leads to muscle weakness, loss of strength, and even muscle atrophy.

Low Blood Sugar

Cortisol is responsible for balancing blood sugar levels in your body. People with adrenal exhaustion tend to have too little cortisol, leading to low blood sugar levels. This can result in feelings of dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness.

Allergies and Food Sensitivities

Adrenal exhaustion can weaken your immune system, causing an increase in allergies, food sensitivities, and autoimmune flare-ups.

If you’re experiencing more allergies or reacting negatively to more foods than usual, this could be a sign of adrenal fatigue.

Lack of Sex Drive

Cortisol plays a vital role in hormone balance and maintaining a healthy sex drive. People with adrenal exhaustion can experience a lack of sexual drive, decreased libido, and even reproductive system problems.

Conclusion

Adrenal exhaustion is a chronic condition that requires proper diagnosis and medical treatment. It is a state of chronic stress that leads to exhaustion, fatigue, and a decrease in physical and mental function.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and start an appropriate treatment plan.