Part 2: Can Supplements Be Used to Support Your Adrenals?

Adrenal supplements can provide powerful support for your adrenal function. However, you should always start with the items listed in my previous article: stress management, quality sleep, adequate hydration, a nutrient-dense diet, plenty of B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, and more. After addressing these, the next step is often trying either adrenal glandular supplements, adaptogenic supplements, or a combination of both.

What Are Adrenal Glandular Supplements?

Adrenal glandular supplements are typically made from bovine or porcine adrenal glands. They’re often freeze-dried and processed to preserve proteins, enzymes, and other molecules that may influence adrenal health.

Glandulars are used to support overall adrenal function, energy levels, stress resilience, and hormonal balance—particularly during times of high physical or emotional stress.

Potential Benefits of Adrenal Glandulars

• Increased Energy and Vitality
  
Many users report a reduction in fatigue, especially the “wired but tired” feeling associated with stress-related burnout.

• Support for the HPA Axis

  The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis governs the stress response. Glandulars are thought to nourish this system and help regulate cortisol output.

• Improved Stress Tolerance
  
Users often say they feel more resilient to daily stressors after taking adrenal glandulars regularly.

• Hormonal Support

  Some people notice improved menstrual regularity, thyroid function, or mood stability—likely due to better overall endocrine balance.

• Immune Support

  Chronic stress can suppress the immune system. Supporting adrenal health may in turn promote immune resilience.

Risks and Warnings of Glandulars

While potentially helpful, adrenal glandulars should be used carefully due to the following:

• Autoimmune Conditions

  Those with autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, should consult a healthcare practitioner, as glandular tissue may provoke an immune response or trigger a reaction.

• Dependency or Rebound Fatigue

  Some individuals may feel worse when stopping adrenal glandulars, suggesting a possible dependency or suppression of natural adrenal function.

• Poor Quality Supplements

  Supplements vary widely in purity and sourcing. Contaminated or poorly processed adrenal products may pose risks. It’s important to ensure you are using a high-quality, practitioner-grade product.

• Hormonal Content

  Some adrenal glandulars may still contain small amounts of active hormones like cortisol, which can suppress your body’s own hormone production if taken long-term.

• Not for Long-Term Use Without Guidance

  Most practitioners recommend using adrenal glandulars short-term (1–3 months) under supervision, and not as a daily, indefinite supplement. You should rotate off of glandulars regularly, to see how your body is coping without them. Many people will layer in adaptogenic herbs when going off of glandulars (more on adaptogens below).

Who Should Avoid Adrenal Glandulars?

• Individuals with adrenal disorders like Addison’s disease, unless medically supervised

• Those with autoimmune diseases (especially thyroid or endocrine-related)

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

• People on hormone therapies or steroids

• People with psychiatric conditions, unless under medical care

• Anyone without guidance from a licensed healthcare practitioner

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural herbs and roots that help the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Unlike adrenal glandulars, which provide animal-derived organ extracts, adaptogens work by modulating the body’s own stress response system, particularly the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis.

Rather than stimulating the body, adaptogens help restore balance—whether your stress hormones are too high or too low. This makes them especially useful for people experiencing burnout, mood instability, chronic fatigue, or immune suppression due to stress.

Potential Benefits of Adaptogens

• Regulate Cortisol Production

  Some adaptogens (like ashwagandha) help lower elevated cortisol, while others (like rhodiola) enhance stress resilience without causing overstimulation.

• Enhance Energy Without Stimulants

  Adaptogens support stable, clean energy—unlike caffeine or stimulants, which can strain the adrenals.

• Promote Better Sleep and Mood
  
Many adaptogens improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and support neurotransmitter balance, which indirectly benefits adrenal function.

• Protect the Body from Stress Damage

  Adaptogens often have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shielding the body from the physiological effects of chronic stress.

• Support Immune Function

  Since the immune system and adrenal system are tightly connected, many adaptogens help enhance immune defense while calming inflammation.

Common Adaptogens and Their Unique Benefits

Ashwagandha

• Best for: Anxiety, insomnia, high cortisol, mood swings

• Notes: Calming and grounding; may support thyroid and testosterone; ideal for evening use

Rhodiola rosea

• Best for: Fatigue, brain fog, low stamina, mild depression

• Notes: Stimulating and energizing; best taken in the morning

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

• Best for: Stress resilience, immune balance, mood regulation

• Notes: Mild and balancing; helpful for mental clarity and emotional calm

Schisandra

• Best for: Hormone balance, liver detox support, physical endurance

• Notes: A multitasking adaptogen used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

• Best for: Physical endurance, recovery from stress or illness

• Notes: Gentler energy booster; supportive for adrenal recovery and immune health

Reishi Mushroom

• Best for: Immune function, emotional balance, restful sleep

• Notes: Adaptogenic fungi; calming rather than stimulating

Licorice Root

• Best for: Low cortisol, hypotension, adrenal exhaustion

• Notes: Helps sustain cortisol levels; avoid with high blood pressure or long-term use without supervision

Although adaptogens are generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most people, they are not one-size-fits-all. Individual sensitivities, health conditions, and medication interactions should always be considered.

Risks and Considerations

• Overstimulation

  Some adaptogens like rhodiola or eleuthero can be stimulating and may cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, especially if taken in high doses or too late in the day.

• Interactions with Medications

  Adaptogens may interact with:
  - Thyroid medication (ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels)
  - Blood pressure meds (licorice and eleuthero can raise blood pressure)
  - Sedatives or SSRIs (reishi, holy basil, and ashwagandha may have additive calming effects)

• Hormonal Sensitivity

  Adaptogens like ashwagandha and schisandra may influence hormone levels. Use caution in conditions like PCOS, estrogen-sensitive cancers, or testosterone imbalance.

• Autoimmune Disorders

  Some adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha, licorice) may stimulate the immune system, which could worsen autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or lupus.

Who Should Avoid (or Use Caution with) Adaptogens?

• Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
  Many adaptogens lack safety data in pregnancy or lactation. Avoid unless recommended by a qualified provider.

• People with High Blood Pressure
  Avoid licorice root and use eleuthero cautiously, as they may elevate blood pressure.

• Those with Autoimmune Conditions
  Use caution with ashwagandha, licorice, rhodiola, and schisandra, as they may stimulate immune activity.

• People with Bipolar Disorder or Anxiety
  Rhodiola and ginseng-type adaptogens may be overstimulating and could trigger manic or anxious symptoms.

• Individuals on Hormone Therapy or Thyroid Medication
  Consult a practitioner before using ashwagandha or schisandra, which can influence hormone regulation.

Best Practices for Safe Use

• Start with low doses, especially if you’re sensitive to supplements

• Take in the morning or early afternoon if the adaptogen is energizing

• Cycle off periodically (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off; or take a break after 6–8 weeks to let your body reset and see how you do without them)

• Always consult a healthcare provider if you have chronic conditions, take medications, or are unsure

You can take a single adaptogen, rotate them monthly, or use blended formulas for comprehensive support. Most adaptogens work best when taken daily for 4–12 weeks, and results often build gradually over time.

Final Thoughts

Adrenal glandular supplements may offer short-term relief for individuals dealing with stress-related fatigue, low energy, or hormonal imbalances. However, they should be used with care and professional oversight, especially considering their potential to alter hormone activity.

In contrast, adaptogenic herbs and lifestyle changes offer a more sustainable way to support adrenal health and resilience over time. A thoughtful, individualized approach is key to restoring balance and preventing future burnout.

As with any supplement, quality, dosage, and duration matter—and the best long-term strategy will always include lifestyle changes that support your adrenal health naturally.