Adrenal Fatigue: Understanding Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Tired adrenal glands, known as secondary adrenal insufficiency, produce insufficient amounts of cortisol or aldolsterone. This deficiency resides in the adrenal cortex, where these hormones are produced. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness and low blood pressure.

Medications

• Doctors support tired adrenal glands with corticosteroids, or synthetic steroid hormones. Though effective, the patient will likely have to take these medications for the rest of his life.

Cortisol

• Physicians treat low cortisol production by replacing the hormone with synthetic cortisol hormones called glucocorticoids, which include hydrocortisone, cortisone acetate and prednisone. Take glucocorticoids in tablet form one to two times per day.

Aldosterone

• Tired adrenal glands that produce insufficient levels of aldolsterone are treated with fludrocortisone acetate tablets, a mineralocorticoid, taken once per day. Doctors typically advise you to increase salt intake as well.

Side Effects

• Corticosteroid side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, anxiety, acne and depression. Serious side effects include skin rash, swollen face, legs or ankles, vision problems and muscle weakness.

Warning

• Stressful situations may require extra doses of corticosteroids due to the inability of the tired adrenal glands to produce the extra stress hormones required for the body to cope.