Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a condition of the adrenal glands when they are not functioning as well as they should. These two walnut-sized glands are located on top of the kidneys where they manufacture and secrete the hormones which define our energy levels and our general health – estrogen, cortisol and testosterone.

The adrenals help the body deal with any kind of stress – from emotional stress, to financial problems, to physical threats and relationship problems. They also play a major role in the body's response to danger – the "fight or flight" response which mobilizes the body's resources to react to threat.

When adrenal fatigue is present it can result in general tiredness and lethargy and in severe cases it can be extremely debilitating, to a point where a person can hardly get out of bed. Most people go un-diagnosed, especially by conventional practitioners who usually don't look at the adrenals as being a potential trouble-source. People usually just live with symptoms of adrenal fatigue and prop themselves up with extra coffee, sodas or other stimulants. However, left unchecked their condition could continue to worsen.

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is caused when the adrenal glands can no longer meet the demands made of them because they are simply over-worked. Naturally, the adrenals help the body to deal with stress by mobilizing the hormones required to keep the body functioning properly. However, when too much stress is present, whether physical, mental or emotional, the adrenal glands become over-stimulated and start to slow down – hence the term "Adrenal fatigue".

Adrenal fatigue can be caused by a one-time extreme stress such as a bereavement, or by a prolonged situation such as stress in the workplace. Other factors can also play a role in adrenal fatigue and these include poor diet, insufficient sleep, substance abuse and prolonged situations that leave a person feeling trapped – such as a bad relationship, lack of financial resources and so on. Chronic illness can also reduce the function of the adrenal glands.

Natural Adrenal Fatigue Treatment Options
At TCM Window, when the patient has been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, the practitioner will describe the adrenal fatigue treatment options available. These may include identification of specific adrenal support needed for the patient, as well as the correction of other health factors which put additional demands on the adrenals. The causes, and severity, of adrenal fatigue vary from person to person. For this reason, all adrenal gland treatment programs are individualized based on what is needed.