Adrenal fatigue
| Alternative medicine | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Claims | Exhaustion of adrenal glands leads to reduced cortisol production and symptoms like fatigue |
Adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia are terms used in alternative medicine to describe the unproven belief that the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce adequate quantities of hormones, primarily the glucocorticoid cortisol. Adrenal fatigue should not be confused with recognized forms of adrenal dysfunction such as adrenal insufficiency or Addison's Disease.[1][2][3]
The term "adrenal fatigue", which was coined in 1998 by James M. Wilson,[4] may be applied to a collection of mostly nonspecific symptoms.[1] There is no scientific evidence supporting the concept of adrenal fatigue and it is not recognized as an actual diagnosis by the medical community.[3]
Blood or salivary testing is sometimes offered by alternative medical practitioners to diagnose adrenal fatigue. The concept of adrenal fatigue has given rise to an industry of dietary supplements marketed to treat this condition. These supplements are largely unregulated in the U.S., are ineffective, and in some cases may be dangerous.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Myth vs. Fact: Adrenal Fatigue". The Hormone Foundation. August 2010. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
- ^ "Is there such a thing as adrenal fatigue?". MayoClinic.com. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ a b "Adrenal Fatigue: Is It Real?". WebMD. Metcalf, Eric. Retrieved 2014-03-19.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|deadurl=(help) - ^ Landa, Jennifer (10 September 2012). "How to combat stress from adrenal fatigue". Fox News Channel. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
External links
- "Discussion of adrenal fatigue". Science Based Medicine. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
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