From personal experience and from working as a CAM practitioner I undertand that there may be a direct relationship between chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion and possibly low thyroid function.  In 2007 I attended the annual Orthomolecular conference (Canada) and listened to a presentation on adrenal exhaustion by a clinical expert, unfortunately I do not remember his name. The treatment protocol he recommends is very thorough.  I recommend that anyone suffering from severe exhaustion, chronic fatigue, or even depression consider following some of it or all of it.  Consider seeing a naturopathic doctor to individualize a protocol for you.  Also, if there are underlying emotional issues, or you experience a lot of stress in your life, consider seeing a homeopath for healing both the physical and emotional.  A therapist can be of help as well.Here is the protocol for severe exhaustion: Exhaustion may develop under the following conditions:Allergies& environmental sensitivities, Autoimmune disorders, Burnout, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Collapse after hearing bad news, Decreased immunity, Fibromyalgia, General feeling of ‘unwellness’, Hypoglycemia, Hypothyroidism, llness recovery phase,  Increased perimenopausal symptoms, Jet lag , Lack of libido, Lack of stamina, Loss of motivation, Post Stress. Recommended Lifestyle Changes: More Laughter, Actively diffuse tension and stress, Regular relaxation,  Minimize stress, Eliminate or minimize negative energy (and negative people), Eat regular meals –chewing food well, Exercise daily – avoid highly competitive events, Early to bed 9– 9:30 PM, Sleep in whenever possible, Nap during the day (brief 15-30 minute at 10 AM & 3-5 PM). Recommended Diet for Fatigue: Eat by 10 AM, Eat regular meals –chew food well, Avoid Hydrogenated fats, Caffeine, Chocolate, White carbs, Junk food, All refined sugars, Allergic or sensitive foods,Combine good proteins and oils with unrefined carbs (whole grains Increase vegetables, Add salt liberally (sea salt, Celtic salt, or sea salt with kelp powder), Eat meals with fewer carbs and more protein, Digestive aids may be needed if fatigue is severe. Recommended Dietary Supplements for FatigueEssential: Multi-glandular (Adrenal rebuilder or TAD) 2-8 caplets/day for several months up to two years, Vitamin C 2,000 – 5,000 mg/day, Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols 800 IU/day, Multi Vitamin/Mineral mixture (Super Adrenal Stress Formula) 1-2 caps 3 times/day, B- complex (important: Niacin 125-150 mg/day, B6 150 mg/day, B5 1200 mg/day), Licorice (not to be used in hypertension), Phosphatidylserine 100 mg 3 capsules/day (also useful for bedtime insomnia), Multi Glyco 2-3 tablets/day (for cases with hypoglycemia signs and symptoms (1-2 capsules at bedtime), Calcium/magnesium (malate/citrate) 800/400 mg/day, Probiotic  Recommended Homeopathic RemediesAdrenal cortex 6CH 3 pellets twice daily, Pancreatin 6CH 3 pellets twice daily (for hypoglycemia), Thyroidinum 6CH 3 pellets twice daily (if thyroid function is low), Thymuline 9CH 3 pellets twice daily, Phosphoricum acidum 200C 5 pellets one dose 2 times per week at bedtime (helpful for exhaustion following loss, grief). See a homeopath for constitutional treatment. Additional Considerations: Organic liquid trace minerals – (provides calming effect) 1/day, Biotin 1,000 mcg/day, Phenylalanine (DLPA) 1,500-2,250 mg/day, MSM – for patients with muscular pain (no limit), Magnesium citrate (400-1,200 mg), Digestive enzymes (patients with poor digestion), Oligo Phosphorus, Oligo Selenium (weakened immunity), Oligo Iodine (hypothyroid). Additional helpful therapies: Deep tissue massage over the adrenals (minimum 1 time per week), Counseling, Meditation  Lab tests for adrenal fatigue: Salivary Adrenal Function Test & Blood Glucose Monitor (4 samples in 24 hour period with recorded S&S: Salivary cortisol, DHEAS, Estrogens, Testosterone), Urinary Test for Adrenal Function (24 hr Urinary Steroid test; decreased if in lower 1/3 of normal range); 2nd catch morning: epi & norepi; test all neurotransmitters , Blood tests (relative lymphocytosis & eosinophilia, relative neutropenia, decreased sodium with increased potassium, mildly decreased T3 with normal or increased T4, moderately or severely decreased TSH. Clinical tests for adrenal fatigue: Sergant’s White Line, Positive Rogoff’s sign (tenderness when pressed over the adrenals), Generalized lymphadenitis, Skin is dry and thin, Weight loss, Signs & Symptoms of low thyroid. TREATMENT STEPS TO HEALING: Strengthen (ongoing treatment), Stimulate organs of elimination (drain),  Eliminate toxins (detox), Enzyme substitution and stimulation, Dysbiosis therapy, Tonify (adrenal support), Nutritional support, Constitutional treatment,  Organ and enzyme regeneration, Psychological Healing.      I hope that you find this information helpful on your path to wellness.