Common Causes of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome
Conditions that Contribute to Exhausted Adrenals
Aug 20, 2009
Some Adrenal Fatigue sources state that there are several stages of altered adrenal function that occur before the glands become exhausted. These include a stage when the glands are hyper-active or what might be referred to as the “alarm stage”, followed by a “resistance stage” in which the adrenals withdraw from completing full day cycles of stress coping and finally, they reach a fatigued state in which stress-coping is greatly diminished. If the Adrenal Fatigue stage is not treated and reversed, complete adrenal exhaustion can also be experienced.
Mental and Emotional Stressors
Ongoing chronic stress from work, school and problems in life that might arise can place added mental and emotional pressures on a person causing a draining effect on their adrenal reserves. The hormones produced by the adrenal glands will be in greater demand in these type circumstances and although they can meet that demand for reasonable periods of time, if severe and prolonged stressors continue, this ability becomes diminished over time. The main hormone affected by this syndrome is “cortisol” that supplies the body with stress-coping and recovery abilities and supplies the body with steady energy as it also aids in glucose regulation (blood sugar).
Physical Stressors
Overextending one’s physical limitations over long periods of time can contribute to reduced adrenal function as well. Continually working extended shifts on a job for example that leaves a person physically exhausted would be an example of a chronic physical stressor. Athletes that undergo strenuous training have been studied in medical research and found to experience significant, short-term increases in cortisol levels (alarm stage). Not getting proper rest to help the body recover from physical activity is also a factor in cortisol regulation.
Another example of physical stressors, are chronic diseases and illnesses that seriously affect energy levels in the body. These add physical demands on the body due to the fact that in spite of illness, people are often required to carry on the same duties and responsibilities they had before contracting their illnesses. Inflammatory diseases can be especially taxing on adrenal function because inflammation is also responded to by the cortisol hormone which is the body’s natural anti-inflammatory. Cancer patients commonly experience varied degrees of adrenal insufficiency as a result of both the disease and its treatments.
Lack of Sleep
During sleep, the adrenal glands have opportunity to recharge hormone reserves. Studies of sleep and wake cycles and their effects on adrenal hormone levels have shown that inadequate sleep can seriously affect the cortisol circadian rhythm during waking hours. An adequate number of hours for deep sleep or what is also referred to as REM-sleep (rapid eye movement stage) are required for 24 hour cortisol cycles to complete appropriately. Lack of sleep or broken sleep patterns (fragmented) can contribute to symptoms of adrenal fatigue or can be a direct cause of it. Other research studies have shown that sleep deprivation can also cause symptoms similar to those of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
Excessive use of Stimulants
When a person is experiencing a lack of energy, he may resort to increased use of stimulants to get them through the day. Stimulants increase adrenal hormone levels, including adrenaline and cortisol but can also cause these hormones to drop afterward as the stimulant diminishes from the body. This can cause a vicious cycle of highs and lows and an increase in stimulant use, which can also advance to use of drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with downward fluctuations in energy levels. Some people become stimulant-dependent to the point of not being able to start their day without the use of one.
These scenarios occur commonly to millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide. It has in fact been suggested by some sources that adrenal fatigue may be the most common illness affecting the population in this stressful age we live in. Some statistics state that the syndrome may affect as much as 80% of the population at some point in their lives but treatments are available that help reduce symptoms and in some cases may completely resolve the illness.
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