Adrenal fatigue is now also referred to as HPA axis dysfunction. This axis involves your Hypothalamus (H), your Pituitary Gland (P), and your Adrenal Gland (A), and all work in conjunction to regulate your body’s stress response. When this regulation fails, unhealthy levels of cortisol are produced. As with practically every hormone in your body, the right amount of cortisol is needed, too much or too little causes problems.