"Adrenal Fatigue" & "Adrenal Support" Claims
What the Endocrine Society and NIH say about "adrenal fatigue", how it differs from real adrenal insufficiency, and how to read "adrenal support" supplement claims.
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"Adrenal fatigue" and "adrenal support" are common phrases on supplement labels and websites, often next to adaptogens. This page explains what medical bodies say about the term, so you can read these claims with care.
What "adrenal fatigue" means
The Endocrine Society says the term "adrenal fatigue" has been used to explain a group of symptoms said to occur in people under long-term mental, emotional or physical stress, and that no scientific proof exists to support adrenal fatigue as a true medical condition. [1] The idea behind it is that long-term stress overloads the adrenal glands, which then cannot keep up with the body's need for hormones such as cortisol. [1]Symptoms and tests
- Symptoms said to be due to adrenal fatigue include tiredness, trouble falling asleep or waking, salt and sugar cravings, and needing caffeine to get through the day. These symptoms are common and non-specific, meaning they occur in many diseases and in normal busy lives. [1]
- There is no test that can detect adrenal fatigue. Blood or saliva tests sometimes offered for it are not based on scientific facts or supported by good studies, so the results may not be correct. [1]
Why this matters
Doctors worry that being told you have adrenal fatigue can mean the real cause of your symptoms is not found and treated correctly. The Endocrine Society says symptoms like these may come from adrenal insufficiency, depression, obstructive sleep apnea or other health problems. [1] The treatments marketed for adrenal fatigue are not approved by the FDA and may be costly. [1]Real adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency (including Addison's disease) is a recognized medical condition. Its most common symptoms are long-lasting fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss and abdominal pain. Others can include nausea, low blood pressure that drops further on standing, salt craving, low blood sugar, and in Addison's disease darkening of the skin. [2] The most common cause overall is suddenly stopping corticosteroid medicine after long use, and Addison's disease is most often caused by autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands. [2] If you always feel tired or weak or are losing weight, ask a health professional whether you might have it. [2]Reading "adrenal support" claims
- Be cautious when a product says it "supports," "restores" or "balances" your adrenals or cortisol. The sources above do not support adrenal fatigue as a diagnosis.
- Adaptogens are sometimes sold for "adrenal support." What they can and cannot be said to do depends on the ingredient. See What are adaptogens? and Adaptogen research.
- Persistent tiredness deserves a proper medical assessment, not a self-diagnosis from a symptom list.
Frequently asked questions
Is adrenal fatigue a real diagnosis?
The Endocrine Society says no scientific proof exists to support it as a true medical condition. [1]
Is there a test for adrenal fatigue?
The Endocrine Society says no test can detect it, and that tests offered for it are not supported by good studies. [1]
What is the difference between adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency is a recognized condition with specific causes and symptoms, diagnosed by a clinician. "Adrenal fatigue" is an unproven term for common symptoms. [1][2]
References
- Endocrine Society. Adrenal Fatigue. Patient resource, January 25, 2022.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). Symptoms & Causes of Adrenal Insufficiency & Addison's Disease.