What is the Origin of Adrenal Fatigue Wellness Programs?

The concept of "adrenal fatigue" emerged from complementary and alternative medicine to describe a non-Addisonian, stress-induced state of chronic exhaustion. The programs themselves originate from a functional medicine perspective, applying physiological principles to support the adrenal glands and the broader stress response system. While the term "adrenal fatigue" lacks formal ICD-10 recognition, the wellness programs address measurable HPA axis dysfunction and chronic stress pathology.

What is the Mechanism of Adrenal Fatigue Wellness Programs?

The programs function by mitigating allostatic load on the body, thereby reducing the persistent demand for high cortisol output from the adrenal cortex. Interventions focus on stabilizing circadian rhythm to normalize the diurnal cortisol curve. They also incorporate nutritional support for steroidogenesis and neurotransmitter balance, which are crucial for effective HPA axis signaling. This multi-faceted approach aims to improve cellular energy production and restore adaptive stress response capacity.

Adrenal Fatigue Wellness Programs ∞ Area

Adrenal Fatigue Wellness Programs

Meaning

Clinical strategies designed to support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in individuals experiencing chronic stress-related symptoms, often colloquially termed “adrenal fatigue.” These programs are rooted in optimizing adrenal function and modulating cortisol secretion patterns. The goal is to restore neuroendocrine balance, moving away from a state of perceived HPA axis dysregulation toward physiological homeostasis. This is achieved through targeted lifestyle, nutritional, and supplement interventions.