From the Research
Adrenal Insufficiency and Daily Exercise
- Daily exercise, when done in moderation, has a positive effect on health 1
- However, chronic stress from overtraining may be linked to problems in the adrenal gland, including adrenal insufficiency 1
- Overtraining Syndrome (OS) has been linked with adrenal insufficiency, characterized by chronic fatigue, burnout, and staleness 1
Effects of Exercise on Adrenal Glands
- Physical activity represents a stress paradigm that involves many regulatory endocrine systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) 2
- Exercise can induce cortisol increase, and regular endurance exercise can result in relatively increased basal cortisolemia 2
- The HPA axis response to exercise depends on the intensity and duration of the exercise, as well as the type of exercise (e.g., endurance, high-intensity interval, resistance) 2, 3
Relationship Between Exercise and Adrenal Insufficiency
- Severe overtraining over an extended period can result in adrenal depletion and adrenal insufficiency 1
- Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) may require increased doses of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids during intensive endurance exercise to prevent adrenal crisis and improve performance 4
- The relationship between exercise and adrenal insufficiency is complex and depends on various factors, including the intensity, duration, and type of exercise, as well as individual factors such as training status and overall health 1, 2, 3