Why Adrenal Fatigue is Hitting Younger Men & Women Hard — Especially in NYC
The term “adrenal fatigue” gets tossed around a lot, but at its core, it’s about the body’s stress system being stretched too thin for too long. The adrenal glands help regulate energy, mood, and how we respond to stress—but in today’s world, they’re working overtime.
Why it’s so common now
1. Non-stop stimulation
City life means constant noise, deadlines, and notifications. The body doesn’t get the downtime it needs to reset.
2. Sleep disruption
Late nights, early mornings, and too much screen time keep cortisol rhythms off-balance.
3. Caffeine + skipped meals
That “coffee for breakfast” routine spikes stress hormones early, then crashes energy later in the day.
4. Overtraining or under-recovery
Pushing hard at the gym without enough rest adds another layer of stress.
5. Hidden inflammation
Digestive issues, environmental toxins, and low-grade infections can keep the stress response chronically activated.
Why testing helps
Not all “adrenal fatigue” looks the same. Some people make plenty of cortisol but clear it too slowly, while others simply don’t produce enough throughout the day. This is where something like a DUTCH cortisol and metabolism test can be useful—it maps your stress hormones over a 24-hour cycle and shows how your body processes them.
When you know if the issue is output or clearance, you can tailor your approach instead of guessing.
The takeaway
Many younger adults—especially in high-pressure environments like NYC—are feeling burned out not because they’re weak, but because their bodies are adapting to constant stress. Understanding your stress response can be the first step toward recovery, better energy, and feeling like yourself again.
