Features - Adrenal Glands and the Menopause

The production of oestrogen, and progesterone does not stop entirely at the menopause.

The follicles in the ovary are the main producers of oestrogen and progesterone, so when the body uses up its supply of eggs then this source ends. However the ovaries continue to produce very small amounts of oestrogen, and larger amounts of testosterone, for years after the cessation of menses. If you have a total hysterectomy then this no longer applies.

The other suppliers of the sex hormones are the Adrenal Glands, which lie above the kidneys. They convert cholesterol into small amounts of oestrogen, progesterone, and also testosterone.

If your Adrenal Glands are exhausted by stress, then their ability to produce these hormones can be compromised. Sress causes the body to produce more Cortisol (the stress hormone) and less of the sex hormones. Which in turn will cause you to suffer more with menopausal symptoms.

So time to relax and recuperate is even more important to a woman at this stage of her life.

Nicotine causes adrenalin to be released in the body, so be aware that smoking will have an impact on your adrenal function.

Get adequate sleep, partake in regular exercise, keep caffeine and alcohol consumption down to a minimum, and don’t watch scary movies!

Basically try and moderate anything that is going to over stimulate the adrenals.

Eat plenty of foods that contain omega 3 fatty acid foods, such as fish, nuts and seeds, as the adrenals need fats (cholesterol) in order to produce hormones.

From a complementary health point of view, the Australian Bush Flower Remedy Macrocarpa is very good for burnt out Adrenals. Also Black-eyed Susan may help you relax, if you are an extremely efficient over stressed businesswoman.

Jo Pitcairn (Web site Manager)

 

Page updated: 3 January 2009