The (two) adrenal glands sit on the back side of the body, just above the kidneys. They are about half-way down the back above the waist. The right adrenal gland is triangular shaped, whereas the left adrenal gland is shaped more like a half-moon. They are approximately 2.5 inches long and 1-inch-wide, and they are a yellowish color.

The adrenal glands produce hormones that you can't live without, including sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol helps you respond to stress and has many other vital functions. Typically, a fight, flight or freeze response is triggered. Experiencing stress for extended periods can cause the body to forget how to rest and stays in a constant state of fight, flight or freeze. The result is dangerous because one will then respond inappropriately to non-stressful situations as the nervous system starts to think it is always under attack. The adrenals also begin to burn out and as previously discussed produce extra androgen hormones, which trigger acne breakouts.

Adrenal Fatigue occurs after long periods of stress, typically six months or more; the adrenals will weaken and eventually ’burn out.’ When this happens, your cortisol and DHEA levels will drop. There are many people dangerously close to adrenal fatigue or are barely functioning and do not know what is wrong with them.

Signs of Adrenal Fatigue:

• Alcoholism

• Allergies

• Decreased Immunity

• Decreased Sexual Interest

• Digestive Problems

• Emotional Imbalances

• Fatigue

• Feeling Overwhelmed

• Feeling “unwell”

• Lack of Stamina

• Loss of Motivation

• Low Blood Pressure

• Unresponsive Hypothyroidism