Adrenal fatigue occurs due to wrong image life, nervous disorders, when the body seeks to free itself from emotional, physical or psychological stress.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

1. In view of high rate stress hormones, a person always feels tired, may appear overweight, dry skin. The disease in women is accompanied by disruption of the menstrual cycle.
2. Depression – since adrenal fatigue provokes hormonal imbalance, and it has a negative effect on mood.
3. Sleep disorder – stress prevents you from falling asleep peacefully, but balanced sleep is vital for the body to fully recover.
4. Passion to salty foods, migraine, hypotension - such symptoms appear due to a small percentage of the formation of the hormone aldosterone, which reinforces the body with ions and minerals.

The very first sign signaling dysfunction endocrine glands- this is a loss of strength. Having felt it, it is necessary to immediately take action, since during this period the immune system is greatly weakened and various diseases appear.

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

With adrenal fatigue, the body loses its ability to fight stress and viruses. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which controls metabolism and restores circulatory disorders. In addition, it prepares the body to continue to function well in stressful situations.

Adrenaline is produced inside the glands, which helps fight stress hormones. However, it is useful in small quantities, and in frequent nervous disorders A lot of it is formed, which provokes an imbalance in the body.

Adrenal exhaustion or insufficiency causes following reasons: chronic lack of sleep, unfavorable environment, consumption of low-quality food, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged stress.

Healthy foods

It is possible to normalize and improve the functioning of the adrenal glands in both men and women with the help of a properly selected diet. The basic principle is that you need to eat little and often, eat only natural and healthy foods nutrition, and also take vitamins.

Foods that are good for healthy adrenal function:

• Eggs are the main supplier of proteins and vitamin E; it is advisable to consume them raw.
• Sea fish is the main source of Omega 3 and Omega 6.
• Licorice – blocks the destruction of cortisol.
• Freshly squeezed juice from currants and oranges contains more vitamin C.

Harmful products

For speedy recovery adrenal glands should be abandoned following products and drugs:

• Chips, instant pasta, sausages are stuffed with harmful additives, artificial substitutes and dyes.
• Caffeine increases cortisol levels and reduces insulin sensitivity. It is recommended to limit coffee consumption.
• Sugar and various sweeteners. They raise blood sugar. When exhausted, they produce a lot of cortisol, which in turn also increases sugar.
• Doctors advise you to avoid lactic acid products, spices, soy and others to which you may be allergic, since intolerance to any substance leads to stress in the body.
• Reduce the amount of salt, as it retains water in the body, which leads to increased blood pressure.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What dietary supplements will help overcome adrenal fatigue?

• The healing drink "Immune Guard" is used to maintain immune system body and improve the functioning of the adrenal glands;
• B vitamins;
• Vitamin C;
• Microelements: magnesium, zinc, potassium.

Physical exercise

Small exercise stress helps improve and normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands, relieve fatigue. Women are recommended to do accessible exercises - walk more often, do morning jogging, do water aerobics, yoga or dancing, and swim. Such activities help restore weight, improve metabolism and get rid of toxins, which significantly improves the functioning of the endocrine glands. If you have kidney disease, it is better to consult a specialist to determine the permitted physical activity.

How to quickly recover from adrenal insufficiency

It will not be possible to improve the functioning or restore the adrenal glands quickly. At the slightest symptoms, which signal adrenal exhaustion, you should consult a doctor to prescribe a course of treatment.

You can use folk remedies that are based on medicinal herbs: St. John's wort, Rhodiola rosea, licorice and ginger root, Eleutherococcus.

How to improve adrenal function in women? Here are some useful tips:

1. Laugh more – laughter prolongs life and relieves stress;
2. Rest when you feel overworked;
3. Sleep should last at least 8 hours a day.
4. Eat healthy and balanced.
5. Find time for small physical activities.
6. Love yourself and take time for your health.

The adrenal glands are important endocrine glands for the body. If their work is disrupted, serious disorders leading to disability and even death. How to make the adrenal glands work normally, without disturbances? It is very important to know how these disorders manifest themselves and what needs to be done to recover hormonal levels.

Stimulation of the adrenal cortex

Endocrine glands (endocrine glands) produce biologically active substances- hormones that regulate physiological processes in our body. They are all interconnected and combined into unified system, which is under strict control of the subcortical systems and cerebral cortex.

The paired adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and consist of two completely different structures - the medulla and the cortex. To know how to make the adrenal glands work correctly, you need to become familiar with their basic functions.

The medulla secretes stress hormones - adrenaline and norepinephrine, as well as their biological precursor - the pleasure hormone dopamine. This ancient system prepares the body for a stressful situation using the “fight or flight” principle: the bronchi dilate, blood vessels constrict, the heartbeat quickens, the whole body prepares to meet danger.

The adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroid hormones that regulate the activity of the body as a whole. Different corticosteroids are produced in different areas of the cortex. How to make the adrenal glands work? Only by understanding how their hormones work:

• mineralocorticoids(aldosterone hormone) – regulate water-salt metabolism; when their content in the blood increases, blood pressure (BP) increases, edema appears, the body loses potassium, which is vital for the functioning of the heart muscle (myocardium); Aldosterone deficiency may result in dehydration and vomiting;
• glucocorticoids(glucocorticosteroids - GCS) - regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism; with increased levels in the blood, they stimulate the formation of glucose from proteins and fats (normally, glucose is obtained mainly from carbohydrates), suppress protein synthesis, immunity, inflammatory and allergic reactions, the formation of adhesions in internal organs and scars on the skin; An increase in GCS in the blood gives additional energy and allows the body to cope with acute diseases and the consequences of stress;
• androgens and estrogens– male and female sex hormones that regulate the functioning of the relevant organs; but these hormones are mainly produced in the gonads.

The work of the adrenal glands is under the control of the subcortical structures of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which in turn are connected to the cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus secretes the hormone corticoliberin, which stimulates the secretion of adenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands. There is also a feedback in this chain: if a lot of adrenal hormones are produced, the production of ACTH and corticoliberin is suppressed.

Decreased adrenal function leads to the development various violations. If you do not pay attention to this, violations will develop into serious pathology. How to make your adrenal glands work better? First of all, you need to undergo an examination and determine the cause of the violations. On initial stages Proper nutrition often helps drug treatment and folk remedies. But without laboratory and medical supervision not enough.

How to force your adrenal glands to produce cortisol

Adrenal insufficiency most often develops gradually. Its extreme degree is Addison's disease.

Since cortisol eliminates the effects of stress by replenishing the body’s energy reserves, with insufficient secretion of this hormone, a general decrease in energy in the body is observed. This manifests itself as weakness, fatigue and decreased performance. The modern rhythm of life forces such a person to resort to various types of stimulation in the form of coffee, very strong tea, etc.

Constant stimulation of the body and the production of adrenaline leads to the fact that the adrenal glands are depleted, and the cortisol produced is no longer able to neutralize the effects of stress. For a while endocrine system copes with the situation through the influence of other hormones on the body (for example, hormones thyroid gland, sex hormones). Insufficient thyroid function can cause decreased cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands.

But over time, this becomes not enough and Addison’s disease develops. In this disease, the hypothalamus stimulates the production of large amounts of the pituitary hormone ACTH, which “tries to force” the adrenal glands to produce hormones. But this also leads to increased production another hormone of the pituitary gland - melanotonin, which contributes to the coloring of the skin in a bronze color. The main signs of Addison's disease are exhaustion, increased pigmentation of the skin (it becomes bronze), severe weakness and disorders of all internal organs.

How to help the body?

1. Diet:

• diet - must be complete, contain a sufficient amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• should be in the diet increased content salts, since the body loses sodium through fluids; Potassium accumulates in the body, so it is necessary to exclude foods rich in it from the diet: baked potatoes, bananas, dried fruits (especially raisins and dried apricots);
• Since cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol, you need to consume enough animal food(source of cholesterol) – meat, fish, fatty dairy products;
• eat more foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins A (liver, butter, egg yolks) and D (fish oil, fatty sea fish, egg yolks);
• eat more vegetables and fruits - sources of vitamins and minerals; Vitamins A are especially necessary (its predecessor, beta-carotene, is found in carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, pumpkin), C (citrus fruits, apples, black currants, cabbage);
• consume more B vitamins – energy drinks, as the body suffers from a lack of energy; the main one among them is vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), it stimulates the synthesis of cortisol; found in garden greens, asparagus, cauliflower, liver, kidneys, eggs, fish roe, peas, yeast.

2. Physical exercise: heavy physical activity needs to be reduced, the daily routine should be reviewed, and night sleep should be adjusted.

3.Drug treatment:

• vitamin therapy: vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed; if necessary, vitamins are administered by injection;
• normalization intestinal microflora, involved in the synthesis of B vitamins; For this purpose, probiotics are prescribed ( Bifiform, Lactobacterin, Acipol etc.) – medicines containing colonies of microorganisms useful for digestion;
• prescribing adaptogens – herbal preparations with tonic properties; these include tinctures of ginseng, lemongrass, eleutherococcus, pantocrine, apilak, etc.;
• appointment nootropic drugs (Piracetam, Phenibut etc.) - they improve metabolism and blood circulation in the brain, relieve depression, improve performance;
• symptomatic treatment: when blood pressure decreases, prescribe Cordiamine drops, with irritability – tranquilizers (Grandaxin) etc.;
• correction of adrenal function using biologically active food additives (BAS) containing extracts from the adrenal glands of young animals ( Glandokort, Suprenazin), dietary supplements based on vitamin B5, for example (Pantethine), dietary supplements with licorice (contain substances that slow down the decomposition of cortisol in the liver).

4. Folk remedies:

• chew Schisandra chinensis berries and brew tea with them;
• juniper berries; on the first day, eat 4 berries, then add 1 berry every day, reach 15, then reduce their number, reaching the original amount;
• baths with thyme (500 g of raw material for a full bath); course – 10 – 15 procedures;
• infusion of black currant leaves; 10 g of raw materials per glass of boiling water - daily dose; course of treatment – ​​3 – 4 weeks;
• infusion of white cinquefoil roots; pour a teaspoon of raw material into 1.5 cups of boiling water in a thermos overnight; strain in the morning and drink throughout the day half an hour before meals; course of treatment – ​​a month; regulates the functioning of the endocrine system.

How to eliminate the effects of long-term use of Prednisolone

Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, which is prescribed for severe inflammatory and allergic processes, including those accompanied by severe pain. Long courses of Prednisolone are prescribed, for example, for rheumatoid arthritis– a disease accompanied by severe pain in the joints.

Prednisolone works great for pain, but it gives a lot side effects. One of them is a decrease in adrenal function, which can manifest itself in the form of Addisonian crises when the drug is abruptly discontinued (instant decrease in blood pressure, drop in blood glucose, vomiting, loss of consciousness). In addition, Prednisolone can lead to a persistent increase in blood pressure(BP), the emergence of so-called steroid diabetes and peptic ulcer stomach, a significant decrease in immunity, the development of Itsenko-Cushing's disease, etc.

Therefore, after a course of treatment with Prednisolone, it is necessary rehabilitation therapy, which includes all those drugs that are used to treat decreased adrenal function.

How to force the adrenal glands to produce estrogens

With high physical activity (for example, among athletes), stress, lack of sleep, the adrenal glands begin to produce less estrogens - female sex hormones that have a huge impact on female body. Estrogens support the development of the body female type, reproductive function, appearance and the woman's mood. These hormones are mainly produced by the ovaries, but the adrenal glands also contribute to the content of estrogen in the blood.

In order to stimulate the secretion of estrogen by the adrenal glands, you should:

• reduce physical activity; Doing gymnastics is useful, but it is better to limit significant sports activities;
• eat food rich in proteins and fats of animal origin - estrogens - these are steroid hormones, which are synthesized from cholesterol;
• to activate metabolism, vitamins and minerals are needed - they can be obtained from vegetables and fruits;
• a good replacement for estrogens is phytoestrogens - plant substances that have the same effect as estrogens; phytoestrogens are found in beans, beans, peas, soybeans; they should be included in the diet several times a week: too great content phytoestrogens in food can inhibit their secretion by the adrenal glands;
• Dietary supplements with estrogens: Inoclim, Bonisam, Femiwell, Feminal;
• limit consumption easily digestible carbohydrates– sweet and rich foods;
• Smoking inhibits the secretion of estrogen by the adrenal glands, so it is worth considering the issue of getting rid of this bad habit.

How to force your adrenal glands to produce testosterone

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is also synthesized from cholesterol. Produced in the testes of men and partly in the adrenal glands. With its deficiency, problems with sexual desire and potency appear. Significant testosterone deficiency can lead to the development of infertility.

The adrenal glands reduce the secretion of testosterone during fasting or, conversely, during obesity, chronic stress, heavy physical activity. To force the adrenal glands to produce testosterone you need:

• adjust your diet: eat more meat, fatty sea fish, dairy products, vegetables and fruits; do not eat sweets and baked goods;
• eat foods rich in zinc (meat, fish, dairy products) and vitamin D ( fish fat, fatty sea fish) – these substances are involved in the synthesis of testosterone;
• take dietary supplements with zinc: Zincteral, Zinc Chelate, etc.;
• play sports, but avoid too much physical activity; It is worth remembering that sex hormones accumulate in fat cells; moderate amount of fat supports normal content hormones in the blood, and obesity helps neutralize them due to accumulation in fat cells.

How to force the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline

Adrenaline is produced primarily in the adrenal medulla. But in addition, it is also produced by some other tissues, so its deficiency is rare. Typically, a general decrease in adrenal function leads to a decrease in adrenaline in the blood. Lack of adrenaline can manifest itself in the form of apathy, depression, decreased performance, inability to gather oneself during a stressful situation and withstand certain unpleasant circumstances. Chronic fatigue syndrome often develops.

Adrenaline is produced in the body from nonessential amino acid tyrosine. To force the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, you need to eat foods rich in tyrosine: nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy products, eggs, meat, seafood, bananas.

Activate the secretion of adrenaline will also help active image life, playing sports in combination with good rest and night's sleep. It is also very important to refuse bad habits: smoking, drinking alcohol and excessive consumption of caffeine-containing products (strong tea and coffee) - excessive stimulation of adrenaline production leads to exhaustion of the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that regulate metabolism, allow the body to adapt to any situation and eliminate the effects of stress.

Questions and answers regarding the adrenal glands.

How to live without damaging your adrenal glands?

Everyone understands everything about diet and lifestyle, since this is a universal remedy suitable for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Let's briefly look at the phenomenon of stress. Adrenal disease occurs when the level of stress is greater than the body's capacity to compensate (stress) and recover from it. Since the adrenal glands play the role of stress glands of the body - a reserve used when the body finds itself in a stressful situation. Main types of stress:

• Physical stress - hard work or too much physical activity, lack of sleep, etc.
• Chemical stress – from environmental pollution. Food rich in refined carbohydrates and chemicals. Allergic reactions. Imbalance of the endocrine glands.
• Heat stress is overheating or hypothermia of the body. Especially if it is long.
• Emotional or mental stress depends on the environment and the quality of communication with other people. If you have the ability to turn imagined fears and troubles into reality.

If you cannot cope with stress, then the stage of exhaustion begins. This is the stage in which a person is unable to adapt to stress. The function of the adrenal glands is limited, and complete disruption of many body functions is allowed. Two main causes of exhaustion:

• loss of sodium ions (due to decreased aldosterone),
• decrease in the level of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol, glucogenesis,.

The result is hypoglycemia, sodium loss, potassium retention, and high insulin levels. Weakness appears, the body's reactions slow down. Conclusion, if you learn to cope with stress, you will not overload your adrenal glands with work. Everyday life. Don’t waste your glands’ reserve of strength over trifles, and then if a really serious situation happens, you can easily cope without complications.

Ecology of Health: In general, it is important to remember that stress stresses the adrenal glands. We can define as “stress” anything that threatens our survival, joy, well-being, security, stability. This is anything that forces our body to adapt (for example, changes in circumstances, temperature, chemical balance, as in sudden change medications and even diet). Infection, lack of sleep or even lack of love are stress factors.

Generally, It’s important to remember that stress puts stress on the adrenal glands. We can define as “stress” anything that threatens our survival, joy, well-being, security, stability. This is anything that forces our body to adapt (for example, a change in circumstances, temperature, chemical balance, as in a sudden changemedications and even diet).Infection, lack of sleep or even lack of love are stress factors.

Factors opposite to stress like joy, sleep and rest, comfort, peace, security, good food, are an example of what supports the adrenal glands.

Avoid stressors and try to find things that help you. Eat more proteins and fats (not plant-based). Limit carbohydrates, especially sugar. Avoid stimulants and physiologically stressful substances - caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.

If you have allergies, avoid allergens– The most common allergens are wheat and milk. Although it may sound strange, many people actually experience cravings for foods that they are allergic or intolerant to. Black mold in the home is a common stressor that can be difficult to avoid.

Avoid stress as much as possible. Even such “positive stress” as the holidays can sometimes be too much for the adrenal glands. Try to get more rest - get more sleep, and as regularly as possible. Too much stress, whether from work or sports, and lack of sleep put a lot of stress on the adrenal glands.

Providing adequate vitamin support is absolutely essential to restoring adrenal function. IN minimum set includes:

Healthy diet, if possible from organic foods, containing enough proteins and healthy fats, enough fat-soluble vitamins, and eliminating possible allergens (for example, wheat, dairy, or anything else you are allergic to).

Irreplaceable fatty acid Omega 3 and 6: Called essential because our body needs them to maintain health, but cannot produce them itself.

Healthy fats. Animal fats best source healthy fats. But they must be organic. Whenever possible, milk or meat should come from pasture-raised cows or sheep. Eggs from chickens raised in large yards, not in cages (free range). Eliminate hydrogenated fats completely.

Unrefined sea ​​salt : It helps the adrenal glands raise blood pressure and retain water in the body, and also contains many important trace minerals. Table salt does not contain those minerals.

B vitamins: full complex B vitamins (like B-50 or B-100) with a large dose of vitamin B5 additionally (300-500 mg). Vitamin B5 ( Pantothenic acid) is necessary for the functioning of the adrenal glands. Is a precursor to acetyl coenzyme A (part of the Krebs cycle production cellular energy) and acetylcholine (neurotransmitter). B5 deficiency leads to weakened adrenal function, expressed general weakness, headaches, sleep disturbances, nausea, and intestinal discomfort.

Vitamin C(1-3 g per day) and antioxidants: The buffered form of vitamin C is best tolerated when dissolved in a drink taken throughout the day. In any case, it is better to take vitamin C in several doses throughout the day. It is also important to provide bioflavonoids along with vitamin C to improve the antioxidant effect.

Licorice (licorice): Blocks the breakdown of cortisol in the liver, so cortisol levels increase, resulting in decreased production of ACTH by the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands get the necessary rest. Can be taken in various forms, including licorice decoction. As adrenal function recovers, licorice intake can be gradually reduced. Do not use licorice under any circumstances if you have a tendency to high blood pressure and/or to a lack of potassium!

Adrenal Cortex Extract(Adrenal Cortex Extract): very important in the beginning of recovery of adrenal function, as it provides immediate construction material to support them.

Magnesium. Magnesium is very important for the production of cellular energy (ATP - adenosine triphosphoric acid). It is also very useful for relaxing tense muscles in conditions like fibromyalgia. From known forms Magnesium oxide is the least absorbable; magnesium citrate or chelate is the more preferable form.

GABA ( Gamma-aminobutyric acid) stimulates GABA receptors, which is what Valium does. The usual effect is a decrease in anxiety. The usual dose is 500 mg two to three times a day, but sometimes one capsule in the morning and one before bed is enough.

Amino acids: In people with weak adrenal glands, digestion is often impaired, primarily affecting the breakdown of proteins into amino acids and their absorption. The adrenal glands need amino acids. Like vitamin C, amino acids/amino acid complex are also best taken in a drink throughout the day.

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Digestive enzymes. Adrenal weakness often leads to poor digestion and decreased stomach acidity. It is beneficial to take digestive enzymes, especially those containing stomach acid or simply acidin-pepsin. Having heartburn or acid reflux does not necessarily mean you have too much acid. Often, on the contrary, there is not enough acid in the stomach, and the cause of burning is insufficient protection of the inner lining of the stomach. This situation can be improved in the following ways:

Water: drink enough water per day, 8-10 glasses;
- Licorice: suck or chew it 5-30 minutes before meals, this stimulates the production of mucus, which protects the stomach;
- Slippery Elm: Taken 5-30 minutes before meals also helps produce protective mucus. published

You often feel tired during the day, wake up weak and lethargic, and physical exercise devastate you? You may have adrenal fatigue, a fairly common condition in which the body cannot respond adequately to life's challenges.

Adrenal fatigue manifests itself through the following symptoms:

• overwhelming fatigue
• insomnia (especially between 2 and 4 am),
• midday sluggishness
• cravings for salty, sweet or tonic foods, especially in the afternoon
• dizziness when standing up
• chronic low blood pressure
• irritability and increased nervous excitement when you feel hungry

Fortunately, by changing just a few habits, you can effectively replenish your energy and normalize your adrenal function.

Below, you'll find eight tips for changing habits to help restore and maintain ongoing adrenal health.

1. Sleep

Regular good sleep- this is one of the best ways support your adrenal glands. Even if you have problems with insomnia, or find it very difficult to fall asleep in the evening, with the help of these good habits you can significantly improve your sleep quality:

• Go to bed at the same time, but no later than 10 pm.
• Try to sleep 9-11 hours, at least on weekends, if this is completely impossible during the week.
• Do not look at the computer, TV or smartphone at least an hour before going to bed; this way, you prime your brain for sleep (if possible, wear orange glasses to block blue light from screens; blue light suppresses sleep hormones and can cause insomnia or disrupt sleep cycles).
• Before going to bed, have a small snack, rich in protein And healthy fats and containing a minimum amount of carbohydrates.
• Before going to bed, avoid sugars, energizing foods or foods rich in carbohydrates.

2. Relaxation exercises

Do you doubt the effectiveness of relaxation exercises? Think again! Consider a quiet, calm activity, such as lying down for 10 minutes with your feet up, or meditation, or slow breathing. Also, any time you feel tired, listen to your body and try to lie down for a few minutes.

3. Avoid junk food and excess sugar

It doesn't matter if it's donuts or fruit, unhealthy food and excess sugar overload the adrenal glands and deplete their energy reserves.

4. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.

Yes, we are talking about coffee. Stimulants are your adrenal glands' worst enemies. Like sugars, they cause your adrenal glands to work too hard, making you feel more tired.

5. Only gentle exercises

With adrenal fatigue, long and intense exercise further devastates the body. Switch to softer sports: walking, yoga, swimming. Avoid long aerobic exercise. And be careful: if after sports you are literally exhausted, then the intensity should be reduced.

6. Your breakfast should contain plenty of protein and fat, without sugar or tonic drinks.

Adrenal function, blood sugar and energy levels are closely related. A breakfast rich in protein and fat, without sugar or energy drinks, allows the adrenal glands to start the day well and stay stable until the evening. It also helps you avoid midday sluggishness and help you fall asleep better.

7. End stress

Carefully analyze what makes you nervous: complaints from friends, grumpy bosses, crazy schedules. What stress factors can be minimized or completely eliminated? Reducing stress levels – important condition to bring the adrenal glands in order.

8. Avoid sugar and stimulants if you are tired.

When the midday sluggishness hits you, the first thing that comes to mind is something like a foamy cappuccino. However, in fact, it only aggravates the energy depletion of the adrenal glands. Instead of this cappuccino, feed your body with protein, healthy fats and a small portion of carbohydrates to maintain healthy level blood sugar and active brain activity. This will be enough to drive away fatigue. So stock up in advance healthy snacks for the afternoon.

Take a broader view of your health

Adrenal fatigue usually accompanies conditions such as anemia, intestinal disorders, unbalanced diet, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, micronutrient deficiencies. It is important to correctly determine the real reason adrenal fatigue, as well as correctly developing the habits described above: they will really help solve health problems faster and fill the body with much-needed energy.

Thanks for the translation

The human endocrine system has complex structure, it is responsible for the regulation of hormonal levels and consists of several organs and glands, including important place occupies the thyroid gland, pancreas and adrenal glands. A lot is known about the first two glands, but not everyone has heard about such an organ as the adrenal glands. Although this organ takes an active part in the functioning of the whole organism, disturbances in its work can lead to serious and sometimes serious illnesses. What are the adrenal glands, what functions do they perform in the human body, what are the symptoms of adrenal diseases and how to treat these pathologies? Let's try to figure it out!

Basic functions of the adrenal glands

Before considering diseases of the adrenal glands, you need to become familiar with the organ itself and its functions in human body. The adrenal glands are paired glandular endocrine organs that are located in the retroperitoneum above the upper pole of the kidneys. These organs perform a number of vital functions in the human body: they produce hormones, participate in the regulation of metabolism, provide the nervous system and whole organism resistance to stress and the ability to quickly recover from stressful situations.

The adrenal glands are a powerful reserve for our body. For example, if the adrenal glands are healthy and cope with their function, a person does not experience fatigue or weakness during stressful situations. When these organs do not function well, a person who has experienced stress cannot recover for a long time. Even after experiencing a shock, a person still feels weak, drowsy for another 2–3 days, has panic attacks, and nervousness. These symptoms indicate possible violations adrenal glands, which are unable to resist nervous disorders. During prolonged or frequent stressful situations, the adrenal glands increase in size, and during prolonged depression, they cease to function properly and produce required quantity hormones and enzymes, which over time leads to the development of a number of diseases that significantly worsen a person’s quality of life and can lead to serious consequences. Each adrenal gland produces hormones and consists of an inner medulla and an outer cortex, which differ from each other in their structure, hormone secretion and origin. Hormones of the adrenal medulla in the human body synthesize catecholamines, which are involved in the regulation of the central nervous system, cerebral cortex, and hypothalamus. Catecholamines affect carbohydrate, fat, and electrolyte metabolism and are involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Cortical substance, or in other words, steroid hormones, are also produced by the adrenal glands. Such adrenal hormones are involved in protein metabolism, regulate water-salt balance, as well as some sex hormones. Disturbances in the production of adrenal hormones and their functions lead to disruption in the whole body and the development of a number of diseases.

Adrenal hormones

The main task of the adrenal glands is the production of hormones. So the adrenal medulla produces two main hormones: adrenaline and norepinephrine. Adrenaline is an important hormone in the fight against stress, which is produced by the adrenal medulla. The activation of this hormone and its production increases both with positive emotions and with stress or trauma. Under the influence of adrenaline, the human body uses the reserves of the accumulated hormone, which manifest themselves in the form of: enlarged and dilated pupils, rapid breathing, and a surge of strength. The human body becomes more powerful, strength appears, and resistance to pain increases.

Norepinephrine is a stress hormone that is considered a precursor to adrenaline. It has less impact on the human body and is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, which allows stimulating the work of the heart muscle. The adrenal cortex produces hormones of the corticosteroid class, which are divided into three layers: glomerular, fascicular and zona reticularis. Hormones of the adrenal cortex of the zona glomerulosa produce:

• Aldosterone is responsible for the amount of K+ and Na+ ions in human blood. Participates in water-salt metabolism, helps increase blood circulation, increases blood pressure.
• Corticosterone is a low-active hormone that takes part in the regulation of water-salt balance.
• Deoxycorticosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which increase resistance in our body, gives strength to muscles and skeleton, and also regulates water-salt balance.

Hormones of the zona fasciculata of the adrenal glands:

• Cortisol is a hormone that preserves the body's energy resources and is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The level of cortisol in the blood often fluctuates, so it is much higher in the morning than in the evening.
• Corticosterone, the hormone described above, is also produced beam zone adrenal glands

Hormones of the adrenal zona reticularis:

• Androgens are sex hormones.

The zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex is responsible for the secretion of sex hormones - androgens, which affect sexual characteristics: sexual desire, increase muscle mass and strength, body fat, as well as blood lipid and cholesterol levels. Based on the above, we can conclude that adrenal hormones perform an important function in the human body, and their deficiency or excess can lead to the development of disorders in the whole body.

The first signs of adrenal disease

Adrenal diseases or disorders occur when there is an imbalance of one or more hormones in the body. Depending on which hormone the malfunction occurs, certain symptoms develop. With aldosterone deficiency, a large amount of sodium is excreted in the urine, which in turn leads to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in potassium in the blood. If there is a failure in the production of cortisol, with a violation of aldosterone, adrenal insufficiency may occur, which is complex disease, life-threatening person. Main features this violation considered to be a decrease in blood pressure, increased heart rate, and dysfunction of internal organs.

Androgen deficiency in boys, especially during intrauterine development, leads to the development of abnormalities of the genital organs and urethra. In medicine, this condition is called “pseudohermaphroditism.” In girls, a deficiency of this hormone leads to delayed puberty and absence of menstruation. The first signs and symptoms of adrenal diseases develop gradually and are characterized by:

• increased fatigue;
• muscle weakness;
• increased irritability;
• sleep disturbance;
• anorexia;
• nausea, vomiting;
• hypotension.

In some cases, hyperpigmentation of exposed parts of the body is noted: the folds of the skin of the hands, the skin around the nipples, and elbows become 2 shades darker than other areas. Sometimes darkening of the mucous membranes appears. The first signs of adrenal gland diseases are often perceived as ordinary fatigue or minor disturbances, but as practice shows, such symptoms often progress and lead to the development of complex diseases.

Diseases of the adrenal glands and their description

Nelson's syndrome is adrenal insufficiency, which most often develops after removal of the adrenal glands due to Cushing's disease. Main symptoms of this disease are considered:

• frequent headaches;
• decreased visual acuity;
• decreased taste buds;
• excessive pigmentation of some areas of the body.

Adrenal insufficiency is treated correct selection medicines, which affect the hypothalamic-pituitary system. In case of ineffectiveness conservative treatment, patients are prescribed surgery. Addison's disease is a chronic adrenal insufficiency that develops with bilateral damage to the adrenal glands. During the development of this disease, the production of adrenal hormones decreases or completely stops. In medicine, this disease can be found under the term “bronze disease” or chronic failure adrenal cortex. Most often, Addison's disease develops when the adrenal tissue is damaged by more than 90%. The cause of the disease is often autoimmune disorders in the body. The main symptoms of the disease are:

• expressed pain syndrome in the intestines, joints, muscles;
• disturbances in the functioning of the heart;
• diffuse changes in the skin and mucous membranes;
• decrease in body temperature, which gives way to severe fever.

Itsenko-Cushing syndrome is a condition in which increased secretion hormone cortisol. Characteristic symptoms For this pathology, obesity of an uneven nature is considered, which appears on the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and back. The patient's face becomes moon-shaped, red with a cyanotic tint. Patients experience muscle atrophy, decreased muscle tone and strength. For Itsenko-Cushing syndrome typical symptoms a decrease in muscle volume in the buttocks and thighs is considered, and wasting of the abdominal muscles is also noted. The skin of patients with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome has a characteristic “marble” shade with noticeable vascular patterns, also peels, is dry to the touch, rashes and spider veins. Besides skin changes, patients often develop osteoporosis, appear severe pain in the muscles, deformation and fragility of the joints are noted. From the heart side - vascular system, cardiomyopathy, hypertension or hypotension develops with subsequent development of heart failure. In addition, with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, the nervous system. Patients with this diagnosis are often inhibited, prone to depression and panic attacks. They think about death or suicide all the time. In 20% of patients with this syndrome, steroid diabetes mellitus develops, in which there is no damage to the pancreas.

Tumors of the adrenal cortex (glucocorticosteroma, aldosterone, corticoestrom, andodosteroma) are benign or malignant diseases in which proliferation of adrenal cells occurs. An adrenal tumor can develop from both the cortex and medulla and have different structures and clinical manifestations. Most often, symptoms of an adrenal tumor manifest themselves in the form of muscle tremors, increased blood pressure, tachycardia develops, increased arousal, a feeling of fear of death, pain in the abdomen and chest, copious discharge of urine. At untimely treatment there is a risk of developing diabetes mellitus, impaired renal function. If the tumor is malignant, there is a possible risk of metastases to neighboring organs. Treatment of tumor-like processes of the adrenal glands is possible only by surgery.

Pheochromocytoma – hormonal tumor adrenal glands, which develops from chromaffin cells. Develops as a result of excess amounts of catecholamine. The main symptoms of this disease are:

• increased blood pressure;
• increased sweating;
• constant dizziness;
• severe headaches, chest pain;
• labored breathing.

Abnormal bowel movements, nausea, and vomiting are often observed. Patients suffer from panic attacks, have a fear of death, irritability and other signs of dysfunction of the nervous and cardiovascular systems appear. Inflammatory processes in the adrenal glands develop against the background of other diseases. At the beginning, patients experience slight fatigue, mental disorders and disturbances in the functioning of the heart. As the disease progresses, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, hypotension and other symptoms appear, which significantly impair a person’s quality of life and can lead to severe consequences. Inflammation of the adrenal glands can be detected using ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as laboratory test results.

Diagnosis of adrenal diseases

Diseases of the adrenal glands can be diagnosed or disturbances in their functionality can be identified using a series of examinations, which are prescribed by a doctor after taking an anamnesis. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will order an adrenal hormone test, which can detect excess or deficiency of adrenal hormones. Main instrumental method Ultrasound of the adrenal glands is considered diagnostic, also for determining accurate diagnosis Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered or CT scan(KT). Quite often, an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and adrenal glands is prescribed. The results of the examination allow the doctor to draw up a complete picture of the disease, determine the cause, and identify certain disorders in the functioning of the adrenal glands and other internal organs. Then prescribe appropriate treatment, which can be carried out as conservative method, and surgical intervention.

Treatment of adrenal diseases

The main thing in the treatment of adrenal glands is the restoration of hormonal levels. For minor disorders, patients are prescribed synthetic hormonal drugs, which are able to restore deficiency or excess the right hormone. In addition to restoring hormonal levels, curative therapy is aimed at restoring the functionality of internal organs and eliminating the root cause of the disease. In cases where conservative therapy does not give positive result, patients are prescribed surgery, which involves removing one or two adrenal glands.

Operations are performed endoscopically or abdominally. Abdominal surgery comprises surgical intervention which requires long period rehabilitation. Endoscopic surgery a more gentle procedure that allows patients to quickly recover after surgical intervention. The prognosis after treatment for adrenal diseases is favorable in most cases. Only in rare cases, when the patient has a history of other diseases, complications may appear.

Prevention of adrenal disease involves preventing disorders and diseases that cause damage to the adrenal glands. In 80% of cases, adrenal gland diseases develop against the background of stress or depression, so it is very important to avoid stressful situations. In addition, do not forget about proper nutrition And healthy life, take care of your health, and periodically undergo laboratory tests.

Pathologies of the adrenal glands are easier to treat with initial stages their development, therefore, at the first symptoms or long-term ailments, you should not self-medicate or ignore the first signs. Only timely and quality treatment will give success in treatment.