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Adrenal Fatigue Science

Meaning

The term Adrenal Fatigue Science refers to the clinical and scientific exploration of the non-Addisonian spectrum of chronic stress-induced dysfunction within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This concept, often used in functional medicine, describes a constellation of symptoms like persistent fatigue, sleep disruption, and impaired stress resilience, which are attributed to chronic HPA axis dysregulation rather than outright adrenal gland failure. The focus is on understanding the nuanced physiological adaptations and maladaptations that occur under sustained psychological or physical stress. Clinicians examine the underlying hormonal imbalances, particularly concerning cortisol and DHEA, to explain the subjective experience of profound exhaustion.