kateandlisaOur Adrenals Do a Lot!
Hormone Production: Our adrenals produce various hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, aldosterone and adrenaline. These hormones all play critical roles in regulating metabolism, immune function, stress response and reproductive health.
In perimenopause and menopause, the adrenal glands are more important than ever before. The hormones the cortisol and DHEA adrenals produce gets converted into testosterone and estrogens. 
In menopause, when ovarian hormone production declines, the adrenal glands become the primary source of DHEA, testosterone and estrogen production.
The adrenal glands release cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol helps the body cope with stress by mobilizing energy, regulating inflammation and influencing mood and sleep patterns.
Adrenal glands produce androgens, including DHEA, which are precursor hormones for estrogen and testosterone. These androgens can contribute to overall hormone balance, particularly during menopause when ovarian estrogen production declines.
The adrenals also produce aldosterone, a hormone that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Aldosterone helps maintain electrolyte balance and influences the reabsorption of sodium and water by the kidneys.
Adrenal hormones androgens and DHEA play a role in female reproductive health. Androgens contribute to libido and DHEA can be converted to estrogen, supporting hormonal balance and overall reproductive function. Women with adrenal deficiency often have trouble getting pregnant.
What Can You Do?
Some no-nonsense, non-negotiable changes can make a big difference in your recovery:
- Prioritize sleep and rest beyond everything else
- Identify toxic people, relationships and your own patterns and start to create plans to change, avoid, or reframe them
- Substitute exhausting cardio workouts with strength training, yoga, pilates and gentle but regular movement
- Lay off coffee (especially on an empty stomach)
- Lay off or reduce sugar, alcohol and inflammatory foods and drinks
- Add herbs that nourish the adrenal and the HPA axis
Rhodiola, Asian Ginseng and Vitamin B6 – a vital vitamin in the production of adrenal hormones and nourishes the HPA axis may be helpful.
Want to learn more? Let’s chat!
