Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
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Adrenal Fatigue Defined
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Adrenal fatigue, medically known as hypoadrenia, has a wide range of weakening symptoms that work on the body slowly and stealthily. Diagnosis and treatment, more often than not, consist of advice on relaxation and education about the harmful effects of stress.
The ability to handle stress is one of the most important factors for the survival and function of the adrenal glands--the stress-control system of the human body. Among the most notable hormones produced by the adrenal glands are adrenaline, DHEA and cortisol. Under chronic or extreme stress, the production of these hormones declines because the adrenal glands become exhausted. The overall condition and accompanying symptoms are known as adrenal fatigue.
Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
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There are four stages to complete adrenal exhaustion, with the symptoms becoming more severe with each stage. While the first two stages have been studied for many years, the clinical understanding of stage three (adrenal exhaustion) is still in its preliminary phase. Stage four is the last one, with a possibility of cardiac failure and collapse.
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First Stage: The Alarm Reaction
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This is the stage where the body, in response to stress, goes into overdrive in anti-stress mode, also known as the "fight or flight" response. The anti-stress hormones, including cortisol, are secreted. At this stage, no dysfunction either physical or physiological is noticeable. Though the adrenal glands are working overtime, this state is rarely seen as a pathological condition. Intake of stimulants and sugary drinks together with carbohydrate-rich foods such as sweets appear to mask the underlying problem.
Second Stage: Resistance Response
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At this stage, the stress levels are constant and there are sustained levels of certain adrenal hormones. The adrenal cortex (the outer section) produces corticosteroids for this resistance response. Normal activity is carried on, but the sense of fatigue at the end of the day is acute and recovery takes longer. Weight gain and insomnia are also common symptoms. The thyroid gland is usually affected at this stage.
Hormonal treatment and other remedies are generally prescribed, as this is the stage when the patient decides to go to the doctor. But for obvious reasons, these fail to address the underlying cause and the indications grow worse as the affliction moves to the third stage.
Stage Three: Exhaustion
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Now the body's ability to cope with stress has depleted. At this stage, the adrenal glands are unable to produce cortisol in response to stress and the body suffers from exhaustion. Blood sugar levels plummet, and this leads to further intolerance to stress as well as increasing mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, and ultimately collapse.
Stage Four: Failure
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This is the final stage, and at this point there is a total failure of the adrenal glands in response to stress. When in a stressful situation, people are now susceptible to cardiovascular collapse and even death.
Recovery
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The period of recovery could take anywhere from three months to three years, as each person has unique symptoms and an individual response to treatment.
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