Adrenal Health
Adrenal Glands
No bigger than a walnut and weighing less than a grape,
each of your two adrenal glands sits like a tiny pyramid
on top of a kidney ("ad" "renal" means "over" the
"kidneys").
Anatomically, the adrenal glands are located in the
retroperitoneum situated atop the kidneys, one on each
side.
They are surrounded by an adipose capsule and renal
fascia.
In humans, the adrenal glands are found at the level of
the 12th thoracic vertebra.
Adrenal Anatomy
The two adrenal glands are located immediately
anterior to the kidneys, beneath the peritoneum.
There are two parts in the gland that have different
embryological origins and are functionally different
endocrine organs: The Medulla and the Cortex.
The hormones secreted from the Medulla have the
same effect on the organs as the sympathetic
nervous system.
The Cortex synthesizes and secretes three classes
of hormones: glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol),
mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone) and
androgens (e.g., testosterone).
Adrenal Anatomy
Some scientists now label adipose tissue in
sufficient quantity as an Endocrine Gland that
can convert body fluids into Estrogen.
Adrenal Medulla
The adrenal medulla is the core of the adrenal
gland, and is surrounded by the adrenal cortex.
The chromaffin cells of the medulla, named for
their characteristic brown staining with chromic
acid salts, are the body's main source of the
circulating catecholamines adrenaline
(epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
Derived from the amino acid tyrosine, these
water-soluble hormones are major hormones
underlying the fight-or-flight response.
Adrenal Medulla
To carry out its part of this response, the adrenal medulla receives input from the
sympathetic nervous system through preganglionic fibers originating in the thoracic
spinal cord from T5–T11.
Because it is innervated by preganglionic nerve fibers, the adrenal medulla can be
considered as a specialized sympathetic ganglion.
Unlike other sympathetic ganglia, however, the adrenal medulla lacks distinct
synapses and releases its secretions directly into the blood.
The Adrenal Cortex
The adrenal cortex is devoted to the synthesis of
corticosteroid hormones from cholesterol.
Some cells belong to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
and are the source of cortisol and corticosterone synthesis.
Under normal unstressed conditions, the human adrenal
glands produce the equivalent of 35–40 mg of cortisone
acetate per day.
Other cortical cells produce androgens such as testosterone,
while some regulate water and electrolyte concentrations by
secreting aldosterone.
In contrast to the direct innervation of the medulla, the cortex
is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones secreted by the
pituitary gland and hypothalamus, as well as by the reninangiotensin system.
The Adrenal Cortex
The adrenal cortex comprises three zones, or layers.
The adrenal cortex exhibits functional zonation as well: by
virtue of the characteristic enzymes present in each zone, the
zones produce and secrete distinct hormones.
Zona glomerulosa
The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa is the main
site for production of mineralocorticoids, mainly
aldosterone, which is largely responsible for the long-term
regulation of blood pressure.
Zona fasciculata
Situated between the glomerulosa and reticularis, the zona fasciculata is responsible for
producing glucocorticoids, chiefly cortisol in humans.
The zona fasciculata secretes a basal level of cortisol but can also produce bursts of the
hormone in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary.
Zona reticularis
The inner most cortical layer, the zona reticularis produces androgens, mainly
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) in humans.
Adrenal Function
They modulate the functioning of every
tissue, organ and gland in your body to
maintain homeostasis during stress and
keep you alive.
They also have important effects on the
way you think and feel.
The main purpose of your adrenals is to
enable your body to deal with stress from
every possible source, ranging from injury
and disease to work and relationship
problems.
They largely determine the energy of your
body's responses to every change in your
internal and external environment.
Whether they signal attack, retreat or surrender, every cell responds accordingly, and you
feel the results.
It is through the actions of the adrenal hormones that your body is able to mobilize its
resources to escape or fight off danger (stress) and survive.
Adrenal Stress
In a more primitive society that would mean being
able to run away quickly, fight or flight.
In modern society, these same responses are
triggered by such circumstances as a difficult
boss, air pollution, family quarrels, financial
problems, too little sleep, overindulgence in or
sensitivities to food.
If your adrenal function is low, as it is in adrenal
fatigue, your body has difficulty responding and
adapting properly to these stresses.
This can lead to a variety of physical and
psychological health problems that are
themselves a further source of stress.
It is also your adrenal glands' job to keep your body's reactions to stress in balance so that they
are appropriate and not harmful.
For example, the protective activity of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant adrenal hormones like
cortisol helps to minimize negative and allergic reactions (such as swelling and inflammation) to
alcohol, drugs, foods, environmental allergens, cancer, infection, and autoimmune disorders.
Adrenals and Weight Distribution
These hormones closely modulate the utilization of
carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins
into energy, the distribution of stored fat (especially around
your waist and at the sides of your face), normal blood
sugar regulation, and proper cardiovascular and
gastrointestinal function.
After mid-life (menopause in women), the adrenal glands
gradually become the major source of the sex hormones
circulating throughout the body in both men and women.
These hormones themselves have a whole host of physical,
emotional and psychological effects, from the level of your
sex drive to the tendency to gain weight.
Adrenal Steroids
Every athlete knows that steroids (adrenal hormones) affect
muscular strength and stamina.
Even your propensity to develop certain kinds of diseases and
your ability to respond to chronic illness is influenced significantly
by the adrenal glands.
The more chronic the illness, the more critical the adrenal
response becomes.
You cannot live without your adrenal hormones and, as you can
see from this brief overview, how well you live depends a great
deal on how well your adrenal glands function.
Glucocorticoids affect metabolism and help raise the level of blood glucose. In addition, they are
widely used in therapy since they have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Using cholesterol as the starting material, the cells of the adrenal cortex secrete a variety
of steroid hormones. These fall into three classes:
•glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol)
•mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)
•androgens (e.g., testosterone)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
The glucocorticoids get their name from their effect of raising the
level of blood sugar (glucose). One way they do this is by
stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver: the conversion of fat and
protein into intermediate metabolites that are ultimately converted
into glucose.
The most abundant glucocorticoid is cortisol (also called
hydrocortisone).
Cortisol and the other glucocorticoids also have a potent antiinflammatory effect on the body. They depress the immune
response, especially cell-mediated immune responses.
For this reason glucocorticoids are widely used in therapy:
•to reduce the inflammatory destruction of rheumatoid arthritis
and other autoimmune diseases
•to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs
•to control asthma
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Mineralocorticoids affect mineral metabolism.
The mineralocorticoids get their name from their effect on mineral
metabolism. The most important of them is the steroid
aldosterone.
Aldosterone acts on the kidney promoting the reabsorption of
sodium ions (Na+) into the blood. Water follows the salt and this
helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Aldosterone also:
•acts on sweat glands to reduce the loss of sodium in
perspiration;
•acts on taste cells to increase the sensitivity of the taste buds
to sources of sodium.
The secretion of aldosterone is stimulated by:
•a drop in the level of sodium ions in the blood;
•a rise in the level of potassium ions in the blood;
•angiotensin II
•ACTH (as is that of Cortisol
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
The adrenal cortex secretes precursors to
androgens such as testosterone.
In sexually-mature males, this source is so much
lower than that of the testes that it is probably of little
physiological significance. However, excessive
production of adrenal androgens can cause
premature puberty in young boys.
In females, the adrenal cortex is a major source of
androgens. Their hypersecretion may produce a
masculine pattern of body hair and cessation of
menstruation.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Cortisol is required to handle any type of stress. (We can't live without it)
A potent anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Circadian Rhythm: Cortisol increases in the morning to help wake us up.
Increases the blood sugar level after fasting all night.
Cortisol is made via the following pathway:
Cholesterol---Pregnenolone---Progesterone---17 OH Progesterone---Cortisol
High Cortisol
Weight Gain: Cortisol increases blood sugar levels...
and if Cortisol levels stay high, so will insulin levels.
Exogenous/endogenous
Catabolic Damage
Hippocampus damage which can result in Dementia
Decreased Growth Hormone
Degeneration of Gastrointestinal Mucosa
Osteoporosis
Decreased W B C production and activity
Decreased activity of the Thymus Gland
Cushing's Syndrome
People with Cushing's syndrome tend to develop a
certain body type after their prolonged illness. They
usually start to become obese, carrying most of the
fat in the trunk while their limbs are skinny. An
accumulated amount of fat usually appears on the
upper back so that it looks humped. The face
becomes very round and red. One-fifth of patients
with Cushing's syndrome develop a form of
diabetes.
Skin Issues
Skin conditions and sensitivity may develop over time. Acne often
occurs on the face, and purple stretch marks may appear on different
areas of the body, like the stomach, breasts and thighs. The skin also
becomes thinner and more susceptible to bruising.
Muscles and Bones
Muscles become increasingly weak, and the patient may start to have
mobility issues. The tone and strength of the muscles suffer, resulting
in weak and wasted limbs. Bones can become weakened and more
prone to breakage.
Mental Health
Changes in the person's mental state may occur as a result of high cortisol levels. They may
experience depression, anxiety and paranoia. Insomnia is a common problem.
Other Issues
Patients with high cortisol levels are likely to contract infections more easily and are susceptible
to ulcers. There is also an elevated risk of developing edema and hypertension.
Irritable Bowel, High Blood pressure, Fatigue after meals, Inability to handle stress, Burning
stomach, Leaky Gut, Water retention, PMS, Decreased Libido, Yeast Infections, Sweet and carb
cravings, Nervousness, Anxiety and increased infections.
DHEA is an Adrenal Hormone
DHEA and cortisol have an inverse, or adversarial, relationship. When you're faced with prolonged stress, your
cortisol/DHEA ratio--a measure of health status and aging--can rise by a factor of 5. This means that the excess
cortisol is battering DHEA's protective shield. DHEA supplementation increases your stress tolerance, lowers
your cortisol/DHEA ratio, and protects you against cortisol-induced cellular damage.
DHEA is produced by adrenal glands, but also synthesized de novo in the brain. (De novo synthesis of complex
molecules from simple molecules in biochemistry ...).
DHEA is produced from cholesterol through two cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cholesterol is converted to
pregnenolone by the enzyme P450 scc , then another enzyme, CYP17A1, converts pregnenolone to 17αHydroxypregnenolone and then to DHEA.
Studies have shown that DHEA is useful in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. An application of the
evidence was discussed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001 and is available online
Regular exercise is known to increase DHEA production in the body. Calorie restriction has also been shown to
increase DHEA in primates. Some theorize that the increase in endogenous DHEA brought about by calorie
restriction is partially responsible for the longer life expectancy known to be associated with calorie restriction.
The National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, and the
American Cancer Society and other major agencies are investigating DHEA as a potential treatment for chronic
fatigue syndrome, depression, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, menopausal
symptoms, osteoporosis, and even AIDS.
DHEA Studies
Your adrenal glands are responsible for manufacturing DHEA. Actually, the cascade of adrenal hormones starts
with cholesterol, from which the brain hormone pregnenolone is made. Pregnenolone is then transformed into
DHEA. And DHEA serves as the raw material from which all other important adrenal hormones--including the
sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and the stress hormone cortisol--are synthesized.
DHEA is the most abundant hormone in your body. But production peaks at around age 20. From then on, your
DHEA level decreases with age. By the time you reach 40, your body makes about half as much DHEA as it
used to. By 65, output drops to 10 to 20 percent of optimum; by age 80, it plummets to less than 5 percent of
optimum.
A host of studies suggest that the lower a person's level of DHEA, the greater his risk of death from age-related
disease. DHEA levels in 242 men between the ages of 50 and 79 were tracked for 12 years in a study by noted
hormone researcher Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, M.D., professor and chairperson of the department of preventive
medicine at the University of California, San Diego. The study found a close correlation between higher DHEA
levels and reduced risk of death from all causes. The men who survived had three times the DHEA levels of the
men who died.
What's more, the collective indirect evidence from more than 5,000 published studies overwhelmingly supports
DHEA's anti-aging role. Scientists now have proof that DHEA: * Enhances immunity
•Decreases the risk of heart disease
•Defends against some cancers
•Improves blood sugar control, decreasing the risk of diabetes
•Reverses the age-accelerating effects of the stress hormone cortisol
•Prevents and reverses osteoporosis
DHEA Supplements
The market is flooded with encapsulated yam products
claiming to be "DHEA precursors" or "natural DHEA."
Unfortunately, the human body--or any living system,
for that matter--cannot convert diosgenin to DHEA. It
happens only in the laboratory.
The ingestion of Dioscorea plant extracts can't possibly
lead to the formation of DHEA in the body, according to
prominent DHEA expert Seymour Lieberman, Ph.D., of
St. Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York
City. Products containing Mexican yam or unconverted
diosgenin may produce other beneficial hormonal
effects, but they will not raise DHEA levels.
The research studies revealing DHEA's therapeutic
effects were all done with real hormone, not yam
extracts. Read labels and insist on 99 percent
pharmacologically pure DHEA.
Symptoms of Low DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is one of the more than 150 hormones secreted by the
adrenal glands.
It may also stimulate something called cholecystokinin (CCK), which signals the body to feel
full.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DHEA DEFICIENCY
•Dry dropping hair
•Dry eyes
•Dry skin
•Poor axillary hair
•Flappy belly
•Poor pubic hair
•Poor pubic fat (women)
•Cellulitis
•Anxious look
•Poor resistance to noise
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXCESS DHEA
•Greasy hair
•Greasy skin, acne
•Slight hair overgrowth on face and abdomen (women)
•Excess body odor
Symptoms of Low DHEA
Overwhelming fatigue is the most common symptom of low DHEA. Decrease in stamina and
alertness is often observed in people afflicted with the shortage of this hormone. A lowered libido
is especially observed in women. The main symptoms of DHEA deficiency are:
Low levels of DHEA in the body has also been associated with a weakened immune system.
Low DHEA levels open the door to bacteria, viruses and other microbes.
Patients with low DHEA also complain of sleep disorders.
The DHEA hormone is also made in the neurons of the brain. Although it is produced in small
amounts in the brain, a decline in DHEA output may lower the thinking ability.
Causes of Low DHEA
DHEA levels decrease with age. DHEA levels in the body peak when a person is in his 20's.
After 30, they begin to decrease. By the time a person reaches 40, his body manufactures
around half of the hormone DHEA as it used to. By 65, DHEA production decreases to 10-20
percent of the optimum. By 80, the body produces less than 5 percent of the optimum.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
In general, circulating epinephrine and norepinephrine released from the adrenal medulla
have the same effects on target organs as direct stimulation by sympathetic nerves,
although their effect is longer lasting.
What would be needed if, for example, you were trapped in Jurassic Park when the power went
off. A listing of some major effects mediated by epinephrine and norepinephrine are:
•Increased rate and force of contraction of the heart muscle:
•Constriction of blood vessels: norepinephrine, in particular, causes widespread
vasoconstriction, resulting in increased resistance and hence arterial blood pressure.
•Dilation of bronchioles: assists in pulmonary ventilation.
•Stimulation of lipolysis in fat cells: this provides fatty acids for energy production in many
tissues and aids in conservation of dwindling reserves of blood glucose.
•Increased metabolic rate: oxygen consumption and heat production increase throughout
the body in response to epinephrine.
•Medullary hormones also promote breakdown of glycogen in skeletal muscle to provide
glucose for energy production.
•Dilation of the pupils: particularly important in situations where you are surrounded by
velociraptors under conditions of low ambient light.
•Inhibition of certain "non-essential" processes: an example is inhibition of gastrointestinal
secretion and motor activity.
Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
The 30 symptoms include, but are not limited to:
1. Excessive fatigue and exhaustion, chronic fatigue
2. Non-refreshing sleep
3. Sleep disturbance, insomnia
4. Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
5. Craving salty and/or sweet foods
6. Sensitivity to light
7. Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise
8. Slow to recover from injury or illness
9. Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
10. Poor digestion
11. Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS
12. Low immune function
13. Premenstrual syndrome
14. Menopause symptoms
15. Low blood pressure
16. Sensitivity to cold
17. Fearfulness
18. Allergies,
19. Frequent influenza
20. Arthritis
21. Anxiety
22. Irritability
23. Depression
24. Reduced memory
25. Low libido, sexual drive or interest
26. Lack of lust for life and/or food
27. Excess hunger
28. Low appetite
29. Panic/anxiety attacks
30. Irritability, impatience, quick to anger.
If quick to anger, the person will often tend to
back down quickly if confronted.
Do's and Don'ts of Adrenal Fatigue
AVOID THESE:
•Pushing yourself to exhaustion
•Sugar, caffeine and junk food
•Being critical and harsh with yourself
•Skipping meals
•Eating carbohydrates by themselves
•Staying up late and catching your “second
wind”
•Arising early if you don’t have to
•Food that you react to or are allergic to
•Drinking sodas, coffee, alcohol, juice
•Making someone else responsible for your
health
•People who steal your energy
•Taking care of everyone and everything else
•Feeling guilty about caring for yourself
•Excessive seriousness
•“The grind” Do things you enjoy
•Aggressive exercise
DO THESE:
•Pace yourself
•Eat real, whole, fresh food
•Be compassionate and kind to yourself
•Eat every two hours
•Eat a combination of carb, fat and protein
•Get to bed by 10:00-11:00pm
•Sleep until 7:00-8:00am when possible
•Eat balanced, nutritious food
•Drink water, herbal teas
•Become empowered and informed about
your health
•Be with people who are concerned for
your wellbeing and are helpful in your
recovery
•Take care of and nurture yourself
•Find an inner balance and sense of peace
•Find things that make you laugh
•Mild to moderate exercise
Testing for Adrenals:
You will need a stop watch!
Iris contraction test
•Darken room
•Shine the light across one eye from the
side of the head
•When the pupil contracts start timing
•With Adrenal fatigue the pupil will be
unable to maintain its contraction and
within two minutes will start to dilate
despite the continued shining of the light
•Record the time when it begins dilating
and use this for future comparison
•Repeat every month while under care to
monitor progress
ADRENAL FUNCTION SELF TEST
Sergent's Adrenal White Line
With your fingernail or the dull end of a spoon, draw a line across your belly. In
moderate to severe cases of adrenal fatigue, the line will stay white, and even get
wider over the course of time, while a "normal" reaction would be for the line to
almost immediately turn red or go away.
This test has historically been used to indicate severe adrenal fatigue and
Addison's Disease, milder cases of adrenal fatigue may not exhibit this sign.
ADRENAL FUNCTION TEST
Postural Hypotension:
Postural hypotension (also known as orthostatic hypotension) is a drop in blood
pressure that occurs upon rising from a horizontal position. It is commonly
expressed as a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness, a "head rush", or
"standing up too fast".
To do this test, you will need a blood pressure cuff. Lie down and rest for 5
minutes. Take a blood pressure reading while still horizontal. Then, stand up and
take another reading immediately.
Normally, your blood pressure should rise 10-20 points. If it drops, particularly by
10 points or more, hypoadrenia is indicated. Generally, the bigger the drop, the
greater the adrenal insufficiency.
Low blood pressure in general is also an indicator of exhausted adrenals when
present in conjunction with the other symptoms of adrenal gland fatigue.
The Adrenal Stress Index™
by Diagnos-Techs
Four saliva samples are used in the ASI™ for
the following ten tests:
•4 x Cortisol Helps evaluate stress
response
•
2 x Insulin Helps investigate blood sugar
control
•
DHEA Helps determine stress adaptation
Secretory IgA Helps evaluate toll on
immunity
•
17-OH Progesterone Helps determine
adrenal reserve
•
Gluten Antibodies Helps identify grain
intolerance
Adrenal Nutritional Support
B vitamins: Only use during extreme adrenal
fatigue for a short time.
Cell Trace: Trace minerals two to four a day
Cor-Tex; Adrenal cortex with fruit, root and
herb.
Re-Hydrate: Dehydration is very stressful
Celtic Sea Salt
The Stress of Life
The adrenal cortex produces about 25% of the estrogenic
hormones in women and 65% of the androgenic
hormones in the man.
Inability of the adrenals to produce the additional sex
hormones may result in the flat chested female or the
sparse chest- haired male.
Patients in their thirties or older may also have an absence
of hair on the lower two-thirds of the legs.
Variations in Adrenal Hormone production may bring on
precocious sexual development in boys and girls or can
actually produce feminism in men and masculinity in
women.
This of course does not have anything to do with sexual
orientation.
Its not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.
Hans Selye
Medical Treatment
Two reasons why conventional medical treatment for Hypoadrenia (adrenal fatigue) is so hard
to find is:
1. Money: there are no patentable treatments for hypoadrenia produced by the
pharmaceutical companies. (no money to be made).
2. Politics: Since the 1970s, the FDA has "outlawed" and actively persecuted one of the
chief natural remedies for hypoadrenia, an extremely safe remedy called adrenal cortical
extract (ACE).
(The FDA removed all products containing adrenal cortical extract from market in 1978 due to
concerns regarding contamination.)
People with adrenal fatigue often look and act relatively normal.
They often use coffee, colas, sugar and other stimulants to get going in the morning and to
prop themselves up during the day.
They may appear to be lazy and unmotivated, or to have lost their ambition, when in reality
quite the opposite is true.
Medical Treatment
Dr. George Goodheart identified five specific skeletal muscles which are related to
adrenal gland function.
1 Sartorius
2 Gracilis
3 Posterior Tibialis
4 Gastrocnemius and
5 Soleus
There will be weakness in one or more of these muscles when the adrenal glands are
malfunctioning.