Stress & Adrenal Function

We all hear how important it is to manage our stress, but of course, it is easier said than done. However, if we don’t get our stress under control, the effects on our physical and emotional health can be devastating. Among the ailments stress can lead to are high blood pressure, heart disease and digestive problems. 

Stress has the biggest impact of all on our adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are triangular organs located just above the kidneys. They consist of the cortex and medulla, both of which serve important functions. The cortex metabolizes carbohydrates, controls blood sugar, produces hormones key to sexuality, and maintains the water and salt balance in the body. The medulla regulates adrenaline levels and is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response. Additionally, the adrenal glands can produce DHEA, which in turn produces testosterone and converts it to estrogen.

While adrenaline is great for carrying you through a stressful situation, that same hormone can also spell disaster. Adrenaline increases blood flow to the large muscles of the body and during trying times, it also raises your blood pressure, takes blood from your intestines to your extremities, boosts your heart rate, suppresses your immune system and increases your blood’s clotting ability. All of this can leave you feeling wiped out and unable to function.

While you may blame your fatigue on stress, the guilty party may in fact be your adrenal glands.  Symptoms of adrenal fatigue (extreme exhaustion, insomnia) are similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, so it is either misdiagnosed or missed altogether.  Adrenal fatigue can also be classified as being depressed, which is an entirely different health concern.  Long-term adrenal gland exhaustion poses serious health risks. Lack of Cortisol in your system can zap your immune system’s ability to fight off illness; over time your body may not be able to fight off infection, which could lead to chronic illness.

Adrenal Gland Exhaustion

Adrenal gland exhaustion is characterized by extreme lethargy. You may also feel nauseous, crave salt and sugar (which can lead to weight gain), have trouble concentrating, and even experience hair loss. With adrenal exhaustion in women, PMS symptoms may be more pronounced. Both men and women can develop mild depression once it sets in.  Another side effect of adrenal burnout is Addison's Disease.

It can be difficult to diagnose adrenal gland exhaustion because the symptoms mimic other hormone-related disorders. In order to pinpoint whether or not you suffer from adrenal gland exhaustion, it is necessary to undergo testing.

Three Stages of Stress’ Effect on the Adrenal Glands

During the first stage, someone with healthy adrenal glands can perform tasks amazingly well when the need arises.

If the stress continues, the body moves into the resistance stage. At this point, the adrenal glands become enlarged, which is an indication you are handling the stress, not succumbing to it. 

The third, exhaustion stage, sets in when the adrenal glands can no longer keep with the demands being placed on them.  By now, you would experience fatigue, digestive problems, weight gain, depression, dizziness, fainting, allergies and many other problems.

Treating Adrenal Gland Exhaustion

The good news is that adrenal fatigue is treatable. The first defense is to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.  Plenty of sleep, deep breathing and meditation exercises (including yoga), and proper nutrition, including the elimination of chemical additives, will all help heal adrenal burnout. Herbs have wonderful healing abilities, especially when it comes to healing burnt-out adrenals.

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