From the Guidelines
There is no clear benefit to taking adrenal gland extracts for most people, and they are not a recommended treatment for adrenal insufficiency or any other medical condition. These supplements, often marketed as "adrenal support" or "adrenal fatigue" remedies, contain animal adrenal tissue extracts but lack substantial scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness 1. The concept of "adrenal fatigue" itself is not recognized as a legitimate medical diagnosis by major endocrinology organizations. For true adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), which is a serious but rare medical condition, prescription medications like hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, or prednisone are the appropriate treatments, not over-the-counter supplements 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Adrenal extracts may contain varying amounts of hormones that could potentially interfere with your body's natural hormone regulation and might interact with medications.
- As dietary supplements, these products aren't strictly regulated for quality, potency, or safety.
- If you're experiencing symptoms like chronic fatigue, weakness, or other issues you believe might be related to adrenal function, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider who can properly evaluate your symptoms and recommend evidence-based treatments.
- The management of glucocorticoids during the peri-operative period for patients with adrenal insufficiency is crucial, and guidelines from reputable organizations should be followed 1.
- Patients with adrenal insufficiency should be educated on how to manage their condition, including the use of medication and the recognition of signs of adrenal crisis 1.
In summary, while adrenal gland extracts may be marketed as a treatment for adrenal fatigue or insufficiency, the most recent and highest quality evidence does not support their use, and prescription medications are the recommended treatment for true adrenal insufficiency 1.
From the Research
Adrenal Gland Extracts Benefits
There is limited information available on the benefits of taking adrenal gland extracts. However, the provided studies discuss the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, which may be relevant to understanding the potential benefits of adrenal gland extracts.
- The studies focus on the treatment of adrenal insufficiency using glucocorticoids, such as hydrocortisone, and mineralocorticoids, such as fludrocortisone 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement may improve quality of life and mood, and increase lean body mass and bone mineral density, especially in women with adrenal insufficiency 3.
- The use of adrenal gland extracts is not explicitly mentioned in the studies, but the discussion of DHEA replacement suggests that certain adrenal hormones may have beneficial effects on patients with adrenal insufficiency.
Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency
The treatment of adrenal insufficiency typically involves the administration of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids to replace the deficient hormones.
- The recommended protocol for maintenance therapy is 15-25 mg of hydrocortisone, divided into two or three separate doses 2.
- Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency generally receive mineralocorticoid replacement comprised of fludrocortisone 0.05-0.2 mg/day 2.
- The treatment of adrenal insufficiency aims to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of an addisonian crisis, a clinical emergency characterized by hypovolemic shock 4.
Quality of Life and Adrenal Insufficiency
The quality of life for patients with adrenal insufficiency remains altered despite treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone 3.
- DHEA replacement may improve quality of life and mood in patients with adrenal insufficiency 3.
- The use of slow-release hydrocortisone formulations may help reproduce a more physiological cortisol plasma profile and reduce the impact of over-replacement on cardiovascular risk factors and glucose metabolism 3.
Adrenal Gland Extracts and Current Research
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the use of adrenal gland extracts as a treatment for adrenal insufficiency or any other condition.