The Endocrine System / The Adrenal Glands	Navigate This Article What are the Adrenal Glands? The Adrenal Medulla Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Dysfunction Conditions That Suggest Low Adrenal Function Risk Factors for Low Adrenal Function Adrenal Insufficiency Suggests This Low Metabolic Energy
submitted by Dr. Gary Farr - Contact the author here. Last Updated December, 7, 2011	Save Money! Check out our special offers here.

Due to our modern society with the many physical and emotional stresses, probably half the population possess varying degrees of adrenal malfunction.

Risk factors for Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency:
Childhood	(Severe) sexual abuse during childhood     Females who have been abused are more sensitive to life's stresses many years after the original abuse event(s). This elevated stress response can lead to adrenal exhaustion. Rapid growth but short stature
Hormones	Hypopituitarism / Empty Sella Syndrome
Lab Values - Chemistries	Low AM serum cortisol Low pm serum cortisol Low 24 hr urine cortisol Counter-indicators: Normal/elevated AM serum cortisol Elevated serum pm cortisol or elevated/normal pm serum cortisol Normal/elevated 24 hr urine cortisol
Supplements and Medications	History of/long-term/short-term cortisol use Antihistamine use Prednisone use     Long-term use of prednisone can lead to adrenal suppression, possibly resulting in depression, euphoria, hypertension, nausea, anorexia, high blood sugar levels, or increased susceptibility to infection. Using average dose/using low doses/using high doses of cortisol or using somewhat high doses cortisol
Symptoms - Allergy	History of adult allergies
Symptoms - Food - Beverages	(High) coffee consumption     Caffeine raises adrenaline levels and heavy coffee consumption can lead to a state of adrenal gland exhaustion, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately respond to stress by releasing enough adrenaline.
Symptoms - Glandular	History of hypoglycemia History of hyperthyroidism
Symptoms - Head - Nose	History of sinusitis
Symptoms - Immune System	History of postviral syndrome History of shingles History of chronic thyroiditis
Symptoms - Mind - Emotional	History of postpartum depression
Symptoms - Muscular	History of tender muscles
Symptoms - Respiratory	History of asthma
Symptoms - Skin - Conditions	History of {acne} adolescent acne History of {acne} adult acne
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An excellent test for determining adrenal function is the Adrenocortex Stress Profile. Read more about the test by clicking the box: