'The ones that make the most scientific sense to me relate to the down regulation of central nervous system receptors to stress signals. 'I have heard from lecturers and read many theories and controversies about 'adrenal fatigue,'' Engelman said. The entire physiological system is based on the concept of maintaining homeostasis.

The Mayo Clinic defines adrenal fatigue as 'a term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.' These symptoms are thought to be caused by a wide range of adrenal problems, such as low hormone production.Įngelman said he thinks the signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue are not related to the ability of the adrenals to work, but rather decreased stimulation from an over-taxed central nervous system. It currently is not an accepted diagnosis option for the medical community at large. Some types of adrenal tumors may be linked to ADHD.Ī 'trendy' disorder is adrenal fatigue. Approximately 4 to 12 out of 1 million people develop a type of adrenal tumor called adrenocortical carcinoma, according to American Society of Clinical Oncology. A tumor that causes the gland to create too much hormone is called a functioning tumor, while a tumor that causes too little hormone to be produced is called a nonfunctioning tumor. These tumors can be benign or cancerous and can throw off the proper production of hormones. One of them is the growth of tumors on the glands. There are many dysfunctions and diseases associated with the adrenal gland. Too much exposure to elevated hormones from the adrenal gland can cause anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain and memory and concentration impairment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Too much of a stress response is a bad thing, though. These hormones increase the heart rate, elevate blood pressure, boost energy supplies, sharpen concentration and slow down other body processes so the body can run from or fight a threat. When a person is stressed or frightened, the adrenal gland releases a flood of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. One of the most important functions of the adrenal gland is the fight-or-flight response. Because of this, it is used to treat dermatitis, insect bites, inflammation from arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It decreases the activities of the immune system to reduce inflammation conditions. Cortisol also has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy actions, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

The adrenal glands are located