A common experience among women going through perimenopause is an overwhelming feeling of fatigue and exhaustion, often described as “crashing fatigue”. While many women might chalk it up as the result of sleepless nights associated with night sweats and insomnia, the adrenal glands are often to blame.

The adrenal glands are two walnut sized endocrine organs located just above the kidneys. Comprised of the inner-medulla and the outer-cortex, the adrenals work in tandem, playing a key role in our body’s response to stress by releasing three hormones: adrenaline, also called norepinephrine, cortisol, and DHEA.

Commonly known as the “fight or flight” hormone, adrenaline is released by the inner-medulla gland when there is a perceived threat or danger. To prepare us for either a “fight or flight” response, our body releases quick shots of adrenaline.

The adrenaline increases our heart rate, causes blood to rush to our organs and large muscle groups, dilates our pupils, sharpens our mental alertness, and increases our tolerance for pain.

The fight or flight response is engaged many times throughout our day by simple actions such as, swerving to avoid a potential fender bender, or from the anxiety one may feel by getting pulled over by a traffic cop. Ordinary, day to day to day encounters at a stressful job can also engage the fight or flight response as well.

When we are under prolonged periods of chronic stress it is the outer-cortex of the adrenal glands that comes to the body’s rescue by releasing cortisol. Cortisol’s main function is to metabolize fats and proteins into sugars to create and maintain energy. Cortisol also helps the body adapt to chronic stress by increasing energy levels, stabilizing emotions, and acting as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, among other things.

As with everything, however, too much of a good thing has its downside. If cortisol levels become too high over a long period of time, it can cause a loss of bone density, muscle atrophy, thinning of the skin, kidney damage, blood sugar problems, weight gain, and an increased susceptibility to illness.

DHEA is an androgen, a steroid hormone released by both the adrenal glands and the ovaries. Like adrenaline and cortisol, DHEA also improves the body’s ability to recover from and cope with stress and trauma. But, it also helps to neutralize some of the damaging effects of high levels of cortisol in the body, namely, the tendency of cortisol to suppress the immune system. As a result, DHEA is useful in helping the body resist sickness and disease.

When women are in perimenopause and experiencing fluctuating progesterone levels, estrogen dominance often occurs. In addition to the many symptoms of perimenopause that excess estrogen causes, it also causes high levels of cortisol-binding globulins in the blood stream. The binding actions of the globulins inhibit free movement of cortisol throughout the body, essentially rendering it useless.

So, while a woman may have adequate levels of cortisol in her system, the body is unable to efficiently use it which results in a reduced ability to effectively manage and cope with stress. Even though the adrenal glands are providing necessary stores of adrenaline, DHEA and cortisol, it is rendered ineffective by the effects of excess estrogen. Over time, the adrenal glands become fatigued and exhausted, unable to produce the necessary levels of adrenaline, cortisol and DHEA. Factor in chronic insomnia, mood swings, night sweats and hot flashes and you have the recipe for the relentless, debilitating, crashing fatigue that women experience during perimenopause.

One of the first and most obvious helps to relieve your body of adrenal fatigue is to rest. Eight to ten hours sleep per day is necessary to help your body recover from adrenal fatigue. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep due to hot flashes and night sweats, the BedJet can you get the rest you need. Use the BedJet’s Biorhythm Sleep Technology settings and pre-program the device to keep you at a cool temperature throughout the night.

Additionally, a diet rich in low-glycemic index foods has also been shown to help remedy adrenal fatigue, as it can help stabilize blood sugar.

Vitamin C (3,000 to 6,000 units) is recommended as a supplement along with B-complex vitamins, zinc, and magnesium for at least three months. Moderate exercise and exposure to sunlight is also helpful in restoring healthy, adrenal function.

Medical Disclaimer: No information on this website is meant to be be construed as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional. If you are suffering from a medical condition or have any specific questions about any medical matter, consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.

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