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May 2009
Adrenal Glands
The adrenals are small glands located on top of each kidney, and are important control centers for many of the body’s hormones. The effects of adrenal dysfunction can include: fatigue, weakness, muscle and bone loss, moodiness or depression, hormonal imbalance, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, and many other  symptoms. The adrenals produce hormones including cortisol, DHEA, estrogen and testosterone, as well as adrenaline. The basic task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body’s resources into "fight or flight" mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses. When one lives with constant stress, the adrenals are overtaxed. Long term stress will lead to overproduction by the adrenals of cortisol. Sustained high cortisol levels destroy healthy muscle and bone, slow down healing, impair digestion, metabolism and mental function, interfere with healthy endocrine function; and weaken your immune system. However, dietary and lifestyle changes can be made to alleviate the detrimental affects of stress on the adrenals. Such things as regular exercise, eating fresh whole foods and avoiding caffeine, refined carbohydrates and alcohol and taking supplements of vitamin C, (mixed tocopherol) vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iodine.
Sex Hormones
Normal bone is maintained by cells that breakdown old bone (osteoclasts) and cells that build new bone (osteoblasts). Estradiol (a type of estrogen) inhibits osteoclast-driven bone break down while progesterone stimulates osteoblast-driven new bone formation. So estrogen decreases bone breakdown and progesterone increases new bone growth working together to increase bone mass. Consequently both estrogen and progesterone are necessary for good bone health. Also since the adrenal glands contribute to the production of estrogen and progesterone (as well as testosterone) prolonged stress can have a negative effect on their balance.
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