Most of these symptoms are caused by very low levels of cortisol, a hallmark of adrenal insufficiency.

Many people describe the feeling of adrenal insufficiency as being “wired but tired” - so you feel your heart beating, body producing sweat and mind racing, yet you’re also fatigued, stressed and irritable at the same time. These symptoms and feelings can come on gradually and might be triggered by a very stressful life event.

missed menstrual or irregular periods in women.

trouble sleeping, which leads to always feeling tired.

mood changes, irritability and depression.

digestive issues (including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).changes in appetite (especially a loss of appetite).chronic fatigue(lasting more than a couple weeks).How do you know if you’re experiencing adrenal insufficiency versus just temporarily feeling more stressed than usual? Some of the common signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include: Called “ secondary adrenal insufficiency,” this still results in serious hormonal imbalances and symptoms. The second group of adrenal disorders is much more common and develops despite no physical illnesses in the adrenal glands, but rather stress-related or autoimmune reactions taking place. Primary adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed when about 90 percent of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed. These types are less common and usually cause physical damage to the adrenal glands that can be detected. One type, referred to as Addison’s Disease, is caused by illnesses of the adrenal glands themselves, including adrenal cancer, infections or bleeding (called “ primary adrenal insufficiency“).

There are two main classifications of adrenal disorders. This is why adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances are usually noticeable and impact all areas of your life. Some are the so-called “stress hormones'” like cortisol that have many crucial roles within the body: regulating electrolyte balance, managing fluid retention and body weight, helping you sleep and concentrate, giving you a sex drive, and much more. The adrenal glands are truly amazing in that they pump out dozens of different life-dependent hormones daily. In people with adrenal insufficiency, levels of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone (a type of mineralocorticoid) are both usually lower than in healthy people.

How Long Should It Take to See Improvements?Īdrenal insufficiency is a condition that occurs when your adrenal glands become impaired, therefore they don’t produce high enough levels of several important hormones.

Adrenal disorders symptoms