The adrenal glands, located above the kidney, often become ‘exhausted’ as a result of the constant demands placed upon them. An individual with adrenal exhaustion will usually suffer from chronic fatigue, may complain of feeling stressed-out or anxious, and will typically have a reduced resistance to allergies and infection.
The adrenal glands secrete several important hormones that help maintain the balance of many body functions. Stress, fasting, temperature changes, infections, drugs, and exercise all stimulate the adrenals to release their hormones. When the adrenals release too few or too many hormones, the body responds differently to the everyday stresses of life.
The adrenal cortex is involved in the production of glucocorticoids (such as cortisol i.e. hydrocortisone), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) and androgens such as androstenedione and DHEA. A mild to moderate adrenocortical deficiency can substantially reduce your quality of life, yet this condition is not recognized by most doctors, who only think of the adrenal gland’s condition as being at either extreme – normal or in overt failure (Addison’s disease).
For the large number of people in between, physiologic replacement doses of oral cortisol can make a dramatic difference. Because of side effects induced by larger doses, many doctors are reluctant to use it and many patients are thus deprived of a valuable and needed therapy. Physiologic doses of cortisol (5-25mg per day) are safe. Lab testing can confirm the diagnosis of mild adrenocortical deficiency. A doctor experienced with cortisol use should be consulted; a typical prescription is 5mg four times per day, with an emphasis on early morning use if later doses keep you up at night, or if fewer doses are taken.
For those concerned about taking a hormone perhaps for life, a more natural approach to strengthening the adrenal gland can be tried. This may include vitamin C, PABA, adrenal glandulars, ACE (Adreno-Cortico-Extracts) injections, licorice root, ginsengs, TMG (tri-methyl-glycine) and DHEA among other possibilities.