Adrenal stress is also commonly known as adrenal fatigue. This term is used to describe a set of symptoms related to the way the body handles stress. Stress is any kind of physical, mental or emotional pressure. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. Its function is to control the flow of hormones in the body that deal with stress. The body uses the hormones these glands create to regulate heart rate, mental acuity, and physical strength.
From a biological point of view, the sources of stress are danger, fear, hunger, external attackers, and unknown future events. When the human body is under stress, the heart rate increases and blood pressure rises, forcing more blood to the muscles. The brain becomes more active, analyzing the situation and determining the next course of action. When the stress or threat is over, the adrenal glands release their hormones to slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure level, allowing the body to relax and recharge.
This cycle allows the body to respond quickly to an immediate threat of danger by escaping or eliminating the danger. Once the situation has been resolved, the body can return to the previous resting state. If the adrenal glands are underperforming, the body remains in a state of heightened stress. Over a period of time, the person becomes anxious, tired, and prone to depression.
The higher the continuous level of adrenal stress, the lower the hormone levels in the body. Many people believe that they suffer from adrenal stress or fatigue, due to their body's inability to respond to stress. To them, any minor additional stress seems overwhelming and they cannot recover.
There are two hormones in the adrenal stress response: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol. These hormones have been successfully synthesized and are available as supplements. The medical community is not sure of the true existence or prevalence of adrenal stress as a disease. However, DHEA and other hormones are used to treat Addison's disease, which occurs when the adrenal glands fail completely. The prevailing logic is that the same supplements should be used, at lower doses, to treat adrenal stress.
The sale of DHEA without a prescription is highly controversial. It is currently legal in the United States, but illegal in Canada, England, and much of Europe. Many people who want to take DHEA believe that it has the ability to reverse some of the effects of aging. These include mental fatigue, tiredness and the appearance of wrinkles.
Anyone who feels they may have adrenal stress or fatigue should see their doctor. The systems are very extensive and can mask another more serious disease. A good naturopath will encourage patients with these symptoms to also visit their doctor to rule out leukemia, abnormal growths, and Addison's.