Few women realize the adrenal gland's importance to their health and well-being. As part of the endocrine system, the adrenal gland--along with the ovaries--is helpful in producing androgens and other hormones necessary to function well in today's stress-plagued society. Failing to understand how the adrenal gland works can lead to fatigue, insomnia, mood swings and many other serious health problems.
Working With the Master Gland
The adrenal gland is ruled with the other glands, including the hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, sex glands and the thymus. The pituitary is the master gland above all others, getting signals from the hypothalamus to direct all bodily glands.
Other Hormones Necessary for Life
The adrenal glands are above the kidneys, whose outer core creates androgens and steroids. Steroids and other hormones, like adrenaline, are pumped out to maintain metabolism and blood pressure, and react to stress.
Adrenals Gone Wrong
Gland malfunctions include Addison's disease, in which depleted adrenal levels can trigger a bodily crisis. Cushing's syndrome, on the other hand, results in the adrenal gland pumping out too much cortisol, and can affect a woman's health and well-being.
Too Many Androgens
Sometimes, adrenal glands produce too many androgens. This can affect women in many ways, leading to darkening and roughing of the skin and a much more masculine appearance.
The Feedback Loop
When considering hormonal disorders, realize that the adrenals play a part in an overall hormonal feedback loop, also called the pituitary-adrenal axis. As soon as one hormone goes, they all go awry.
Stressed Out
Adrenal glands control many bodily functions and play a crucial role in the resistance to stress. This either causes adrenals to overcompensate, or wear them out completely--leading to adrenal fatigue, or Addison's disease.
Endocringologist, Here I Come
For those suspecting adrenal or other hormonal problems, see a family doctor who can refer to an endocrinologist, if necessary. Check hormonal levels--from adrenals, to cortisol and estrogen--to ensure that they function properly.
Tags: adrenal gland, Addison disease, adrenal glands, health well-being, other hormones