This build-up causes adrenal insufficiency. Very long-chain fatty acids accumulate in the brain and adrenal glands.

X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy: A genetic disorder causes damage to the myelin sheaths that coat nerves.

Frequently, these conditions affect the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This is a group of disorders that involve mutations in genes that code for enzymes responsible for the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, weakness, and too much skin pigment. Addison’s disease: This condition means the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the glucocorticoid, cortisol, and also usually involves deficiency of production of the mineralocorticoid, aldosterone.Adrenal tumors: These include adrenal adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma.Some of these can lead to adrenal insufficiency if not treated correctly: sudden, intense pain in the lower back, legs, or abdomenĪdrenal crisis can be fatal if immediate treatment is not received.īelow are some medically proven adrenal gland disorders.In worst-case scenarios, adrenal insufficiency can become a life-threatening adrenal crisis, with symptoms including: The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can include: Cortisol is often the worst affected hormone. Also, treatment for adrenal fatigue may be expensive, since insurance companies are unlikely to cover the costs.”Īdrenal fatigue proponents suggest that medical science will eventually “catch up,” but despite more than a decade having passed since its inception, research has demonstrated no evidence.ĭespite this, there are certainly genuine conditions that affect the adrenal glands.Īdrenal insufficiency is the medical term applied for conditions in which the adrenal glands do not release adequate amounts of their hormones. Doctors are concerned that if you are told you have this condition, the real cause of your symptoms may not be found and treated correctly. “No scientific proof exists to support adrenal fatigue as a true medical condition. The Endocrine Society, which represents the opinions of 1,400 of endocrinologists, released an official statement regarding adrenal fatigue: However, as mentioned above, there is no scientific evidence that this condition exists.

People who are allegedly more likely to contract adrenal fatigue are shift workers, single parents, people with alcohol or drug dependence, and those with stressful jobs. In 1998, the chiropractor and naturopath James Wilson first coined the term “adrenal fatigue” in his book of the same name.Īccording to people who propose adrenal fatigue as a real condition, it strikes people who endure long stretches of mental, physical, or emotional stress. Share on Pinterest The adrenal gland serves an important function, but adrenal fatigue is not a real condition.

Adrenaline syndrome