
You can gain insight into your adrenal function through taking a salivary cortisol test. What tests are done to check adrenal function? A more accurate term would be ‘HPA-axis dysfunction’ or ‘adrenal imbalance’, but for the purpose of this guide, the terms will be used interchangeably.įor an at-a-glance rundown of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, take a look at our conditions page. These usually come on after prolonged exposure to stress. Researchers at NICHD-a leading US research institute-say on their website that adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little hormone.īut ‘adrenal fatigue’ is the name given to a group of non-specific symptoms, including: It’s important to note that while there’s no doubt that adrenal disease is real, the actual term ‘adrenal fatigue’ isn’t a recognised medical condition.


This leaves you feeling tired, wired and exhausted. This can lead to imbalances in your adrenal hormones. But problems can occur when your HPA axis is stimulated too much and too frequently. For example, it’s normal for your cortisol levels to spike in the morning to help you get up. Adrenals and stressĪ little stress is normal and OK. Your adrenal hormones work in harmony with other hormones and body systems to keep you feeling energised and alert. Your adrenal glands are regulated by a number of complex feedback mechanisms, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (or HPA axis for short). Your endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate your metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things. They play many roles in your endocrine system. They produce a stress hormone called cortisol. Your adrenals (also known as adrenal glands) are two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys.
