Perhaps the most commonly heard complaint in a doctor’s office is, “I’m tired. I don’t know what is wrong, I’m just sick and tired of being tired.”

Many people assume their thyroid (hypothyroidism) is the culprit. However, a problem commonly mistaken for hypothyroidism is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here’s how that syndrome evolves.

The adrenal glands consist of two organs, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. The cortex is configured like an envelope wrapped around the medulla.

The two adrenal glands are commonly referred to as the stress glands. If we understand the biochemistry and physiology that take place behind the scenes, we may be able to recognize stressed adrenal glands before they become exhausted.

Stress, regardless of its source—chemical, physical or emotional—always elicits the following reactions: alarm; resistance or compensation to meet the stress; and exhaustion if the stress was too strong or was maintained too long.

The purpose of the adrenal glands is to trigger the alarm response. This reaction is accomplished, in part, by the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from the adrenal medulla.

The effects of norepinephrine are: increased activity of the heart; inhibition of the gastrointestinal tract; and the dilation of the pupils.

The effects of epinephrine are similar to norepinephrine, except that epinephrine increases the metabolic rate of the entire body. This includes increasing the rate at which glycogen is stored in the liver, is converted to glucose and released into the blood.

Once epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are released, the alarm reaction leads to a more generalized response by the entire body. However, if these alarm reactions are too long or happen too frequently, the body's ability to respond quickly will diminish. Then, the adrenal medulla will hypertrophy in an attempt to meet the increased demand for these hormones. It is at this point that symptoms of fatigue and inability to cope with stress appear.

If the stress continues and the increased nutritional needs of the adrenal organs are not addressed, the gland begins a long, slow decline into atrophy.

To help prevent the problem, the autonomic nervous system requires calcium and potassium to allow cellular response for the alarm reactions, as well as protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, the adrenal glands require vitamins B and C—more than what is normally contained in an over-the-counter stress formula.

Symptoms of Adrenal Stress Syndrome, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Common symptoms of adrenal involvement are:
•    fatigue
•    irritability
•    insomnia
•    depression
•    sore, stiff joints, such as arthritis
•    hormone imbalance
•    digestive issues: gas, bloating, irritable
      bowel syndrome

These and other symptoms can easily be recognized by a qualified doctor of chiropractic.

In children and young adults, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can also be associated with adrenal stress syndrome.

Finding an internal health specialist—a specialization within chiropractic—is an important step in diagnosing and treating Adrenal Stress Syndrome.

If you would like to find out more, Eric Nepute, D.C., will be giving an informational lecture on Wednesday, September 15, 6 p.m. at Nepute Chiropractic, located at 4225 Bayless Avenue. Call (314) 544-5600 to reserve your space at the lecture.