The reflex fashioned for us to get away from predators or enemies and known as the “fight or flight system” remains highly dependent on the adrenal glands. You can find these glands, which produce over 50 hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline), cortisol, progesterone and testosterone, located over the kidneys.

The most essential hormone remains cortisol because it manages the immune system, regulates blood sugar and affects blood pressure levels. When a person experiences stress, the levels of cortisol in his system changes, which causes the immune system to weaken; thus, people find themselves prone to sickness when they experience stress. Furthermore, this also raises blood pressure.

Today people find themselves assailed with a constant variety of low level stressors such as work. These conditions weaken the adrenal glands. When exposed to long periods of stress, the adrenal glands break down and result in a condition called adrenal fatigue.

We often say we experience “nervous breakdown” when stress levels become too much for the body to handle. In fact, it is the adrenal glands that have stopped working right that causes these physical problems. Inasmuch as it this has grown more common nowadays, many doctors fail to identify it because they normally check for severe adrenal malfunction such as Addison’s Disease (a condition that occurs wherein the body has a very low production of cortisol) and Cushing’s Syndrome (a condition which the body produces too much cortisol). However, these two conditions happen only when the adrenal glands have suffered almost complete destruction.

In order to recognize adrenal failure, you should check for morning fatigue wherein it takes several hours for you to feel fully awake upon rising in the morning. Then between 2 and 4 p.m. you might feel some afternoon sleepiness. Around 6 p.m. you will probably experience a revitalized spurt of energy. Between 9 and 10 p.m. you will feel drowsy, and then between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. you will likely have a final surge of energy if you suffer from adrenal failure.

Other indications of adrenal failure include a decreased ability in handling stress, muscular vulnerability, the desire to consume salty and fatty foods, increased PMS or menopausal symptoms, minor depression, increased allergies, light-headedness every time you get up from sitting or lying down, a decrease in sexual drive, lethargy and low energy.

If you experience stress continuously and have a mix of the aforementioned symptoms, ask your doctor about taking a salivary cortisol test since the more common ACTH diagnostic exam does not yet prove successful in identifying adrenal fatigue. You can also claim the salivary cortisol test against your Medicare and most insurance plans. Additionally, medical professionals can quickly perform this reasonably priced test.

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