Like menarche, the beginning of a woman's monthly cycle, menopause is a right of passage. Menopause begins with the woman's final period and is confirmed when she has missed 12 consecutive periods. Women experience many physical and emotional changes as they transition through menopause. If the adrenal glands function optimally, they have the reserves to produce hormones so menopause can occur without difficulty.
Adrenal Glands
Adrenal glands are small, triangular glands that reside on top of the kidneys. Each adrenal gland consists of an inner core, known as the medulla, and an outer shell, known as the cortex. The adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenalin, hormones that help a person cope with physical and emotional stress. The adrenal cortex secretes cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone and androgen hormones. Cortisol converts protein to energy and releases stored sugar, glycogen, for fuel.
Menopause Challenges
Common challenges related to menopause include hot flashes, insomnia and anxiety. Some women experience menopause as early as their 30s while others continue menstruating through their 60s. In the U.S., the average age for menopause is around 51 years. Smoking, certain types of chemotherapy and pelvic radiation may cause early menopause.
Physical Signs of Menopause
Physical signs of natural menopause begin 6 to 10 years before the actual cessation of menses. Pre/peri-menopause begins as the ovaries decrease their production of androgen hormones: DHEA and testosterone, and estrogen and progesterone. Androgen hormones DHEA and testosterone are also produced by the adrenal glands. As ovarian production of these hormones decreases, production by healthy adrenal glands increases. Healthy androgen levels can help a woman have a symptom free menopause as androgens can be converted to estrogens.
Menopause problems are not limited to hot flashes. Other problems include increased risk of heart disease, vaginal wall thinning, increased osteoporosis risk, increased fatigue and decreased sleep. These conditions are related to depletion of adrenal glands and nutritional reserves.
Signs of Adrenal Gland Dysfunction
Signs and symptoms of adrenal gland fatigue include weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, fuzzy thinking, depression, cravings and mood swings. Today, women are chronically stressed, causing adrenal glands to maintain routinely high cortisol levels. Eventually, the adrenal glands use androgen precursors to make cortisol in favor of making estrogen.
Replenishing Adrenal Gland Function for a Healthy Menopause
To replenish adrenal gland function, eat on a regular schedule. Hunger results in low blood sugar, which stresses the body and the adrenal glands. The body requires constant energy to run automatic systems like respiration, digestion, brain and heart function. Eat three nutritious meals daily plus at least two healthy snacks to keep blood sugar balanced and lessen adrenal stress.
References
- Menopause Basics
- Eating to Support your Adrenal Glands-Small Choices can make a Difference; Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endocrinology Health Guide, The Adrenal Glands
- Adrenal Health in Women: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP
- American Social Health Association: FDA Approved Drugs, Femara General Information
