The adrenal glands, which manufacture your body's stress hormones and secrete the steroid DHEA, are two small organs positioned on top of the kidneys. The term adrenal exhaustion, while not an actual medical diagnosis, describes the possible negative effects on the adrenals caused by improper diet and accumulated life stress. Because DHEA is the steroid precursor to your body's sex hormones, progesterone levels may be affected by adrenal exhaustion.
Adrenal Glands and Health
The adrenal glands produce cortisol and adrenaline, known commonly as stress hormones because of the valuable role they play in protecting the body during times of stress, anxiety and danger. When high levels of cortisol and adrenaline enter the bloodstream, your body prepares for "fight or flight" and briefly experiences increased energy, heightened immunity and decreased sensitivity to pain. While stress hormones are necessary for survival, high levels maintained over time can harm the body and contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, irritable mood, and increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
Adrenal Exhaustion
Adrenal exhaustion, which is also commonly described as adrenal fatigue, refers to a condition in which sustained levels of stress or improper nutrition tax normal adrenal function. Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include fatigue, lacking motivation, changes in appetite, muscle soreness and depressed emotional state.
Adrenal Exhaustion and Progesterone
In addition to cortisol and adrenaline, the adrenals secrete the steroid DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone. DHEA is necessary for the creation of the sex hormone progesterone, as well as estrogen and testosterone, which are produced through cholesterol metabolism. According to the theory of adrenal exhaustion, progesterone levels may be adversely affected by stress-induced adrenal imbalances.
Progesterone Imbalance
DHEA levels decline naturally with age, and according to OB-GYN nurse practitioner Marcelle Pick, levels of DHEA among people in their 70s are roughly 20 percent of that among people in their 20s. Progesterone is a female sex hormone, derived from DHEA, and manufactured in the ovaries. Symptoms of low progesterone may include irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, tender breasts and irritable or depressed mood. Additionally, low progesterone may operate on a feedback cycle contributing to reduced adrenal function and the body's diminished ability to produce adequate levels of cortisol and adrenaline.
Treatment
In cases of clinically reduced estrogen levels, such as after menopause or hysterectomy, natural or artificial hormone replacement therapy can offer an effective means of boosting progesterone in the body. However, hormone replacement therapy is also associated with serious health concerns, such as increased risk of breast cancer and clotting. According to adrenal exhaustion expert Dr. Michael Lam, adrenal function can be improved through minimizing lifestyle stressors and modifying your diet. Please see resource one for his complete recommendations.
Caution
Adrenal exhaustion is not an actual medical diagnosis, and as of 2011 there is not sufficient research to validate claims about the relationship between stress, diet and adrenal insufficiency. If you experience symptoms of prolonged fatigue, weakness and depressed mood, consult your doctor to discuss possible causes and treatment options.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Is There Such a Thing as Adrenal Fatigue; Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
- Medline Plus: Adrenal Gland Disorders
- Adrenal Fatigue: Michael Lam, M.D.
- Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education: About Progesterone
- Women to Women; DHEA and Adrenal Imbalance; Marcelle Pick, N.P.
- Medline Plus: Hormone Replacement Therapy
