Mild Adrenocortical Deficiency in Menopause

Mild adrenocortical deficiency may occur during menopause when the production of estrogen, provided by the ovaries, is reduced or stops. The adrenal glands may become weak and unable to function properly in an effort to produce more estrogen for the body.

Adrenal Glands

• Estrogen controls the period of fertility.

  The adrenal glands consist of two parts which produce different hormones. The medulla, the center of the gland, produces hormones for the nervous system. These hormones produce the flight-or-fight sensation when we encounter excitement or threat. The cortex, the outer part of the gland, produces hormones which affect the rest of the body.

The Ovaries Reduce Production

• Estrogen is produced in order to maintain youthfulness and fertility in a woman. As she ages and leaves her child-bearing years, her ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. The ovaries are responsible for most of the estrogen that is produced, but other organs in the body, such as the adrenal glands and the thyroid, also produce estrogen in smaller amounts.

The Ovaries Cease Production

• Menopause may lead to weight gain.

  By the time menopause is reached, the ovaries are producing very little, if any, estrogen. The body then depends on other organs, such as the adrenal gland, to supply the body with estrogen. During this period of low estrogen production, a woman may experience hot flashes, depression, mood swings, weight gain, depression and night sweats.

  Mild adrenocortical deficiency may escalate to moderate or severe levels. This escalation may lead to Addison's disease, which results when the adrenal glands does not produce the correct amounts of hormones that are needed by the body .

  Acute adrenal failure may occur without warning. Symptoms may include vomiting, low blood pressure, lower back and leg pain and, possibly, periods of unconsciousness.

Symptoms

• Lethargy and stress are signs of both menopause and adrenocortical deficiency.

  As with menopause, the symptoms of adrenocortical deficiency may occur gradually and go unnoticed. Some of the symptoms are similar to and coincide with menopausal symptoms. Symptoms of adrenocortical deficiency are lethargy and loss of appetite. Flu-like symptoms may appear, including vomiting and diarrhea. Insomnia and the inability to relax may also be symptoms of the deficiency.

Treatment

• Yoga and meditation are ways to relax.

  If adrenocortical deficiency is suspected, seek advice and treatment from a qualified physician. Testing can confirm that the adrenal glands are involved in the symptoms and that they are producing insufficient hormones.

  After a correct diagnosis, consider a natural or herbal method of treatment. Consuming foods that are high in fiber and potassium and low in fat and salt may strengthen the adrenal glands. The use of Siberian eleuthero root bark, American ginseng root, shilajatu root or licorice root, may aid adrenal gland efficiency. Relaxation is also thought to repair adrenocortical deficiency. Relaxation can be obtained by using meditation and yoga.