Adrenal Insufficiency Symptoms

The adrenal glands have a very important function to carry out, for the proper functioning of the human body. It is the adrenal glands that secrete adrenaline, a very important hormone, and enable it to flow throughout the body. Adrenal insufficiency refers to the inability of the adrenal gland to produce these hormones, thereby hampering normal functionality. There are plenty of acute adrenal insufficiency symptoms that are a sure way of determining the shortage of adrenaline in the body.

Many people often believe adrenal insufficiency symptoms to imply a case of Addison's disease. This is not true, as Addison's disease means a complete breakdown of the adrenal gland resulting in zero production of the hormone. One of the crucial symptoms of adrenal insufficiency is the inability of the body to deal with any amount of stress.

Function of Adrenal Glands
These glands are the body's defense mechanism against any kind of stress or fatigue. The hormones produced by them inject the body with a new lease of life, so to speak, and reinvigorate and freshen up an individual. Everyone has felt this sudden surge of adrenaline run through their body when things aren't going well, and the feelings of optimism one may experience are sometimes attributed to this gland. Most adrenal insufficiency symptoms thus tend to leave people feeling low, tired, depressed and pessimistic.

When the adrenal gland releases these hormones, the person experiences a rise in blood pressure, blood sugar levels and pulse rate. In a way, the body is diverting the blood away from the digestive tract and other functions of the body, towards the muscles and the brain of the individual. Right after the release of the hormones, the person will feel an unnatural rise in the levels of strength, stamina, speed and agility.

The hormones produced by the adrenal gland can be classified into two types, those produced by the adrenal medulla and those produced by the cortex. The hormones that are generated in the medulla are epinephrine and norepinephrine. They are also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. The adrenal insufficiency symptoms usually denote a drop in the levels of production of these hormones. The hormones that are produced by the cortex are cortisol, cortisone and aldosterone. These have a more long-lasting and prolonged effect on the body.

Causes of Adrenal Insufficiency
There are many reasons why some people begin displaying autoimmune adrenal insufficiency symptoms. Most of these reasons are commonly seen in many people, and are thus easy to diagnose and treat.

• Genetics and hereditary makeup
• Unhealthy diet
• Psychological or emotional stress
• Abuse of intoxicants and stimulants
• Minimal exercise
• Disease or infection
• Mental block

Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency
The following symptoms are usually associated with adrenal insufficiency. Depending on their intensity and frequency, they can also be classified as primary adrenal insufficiency symptoms and secondary adrenal insufficiency symptoms.

• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Low levels of stamina
• Weakness of muscles
• Decreased immunity to infection
• Urge to sleep excessively
• Low energy output
• Constipation
• Depression
• Low blood pressure
• Lower tolerance for extreme temperatures
• Lowered blood circulation
• Allergic reactions
• Aches and pains in joints

Treating Adrenal Insufficiency
There are a few basic techniques and remedies that can be utilized in order to effectively treat the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, or adrenal insufficiency treatment. Here are a few of them.

1. Modifying lifestyle in order to reduce the levels of stress.
2. Nutritional assessment, and creating a structured healthy diet regime.
3. Nutritional supplements like vitamin supplements, protein supplements and other minerals.
4. Getting adequate amounts of exercise and sleep.
5. Supplements that help in boosting metabolism.
6. Practicing meditation and other breathing techniques to reduce stress.
7. Detoxification programs and techniques.

The amount of time that it will take you to cure your adrenal insufficiency symptoms will again depend upon the kind of symptoms you are showing, and the duration for which they have been there. Some treatments will cure you in days or weeks, whereas others may take months to finally take effect.