Nourishing Adrenals to strengthen Estrogen Progesterone & Testosterone
The adrenal glands are important for estrogen production in women after menopause. Estrogen, a key female sex hormone, is vital for maintaining bone health, cardiovascular function, and emotional well-being. You have to nourish the adrenals in post-menopause because these glands will continue to produce estrogen. Keep in mind that estrogen is important for strong bones and a balanced mood.
Testosterone, primarily considered a male hormone, is also influenced by the health of the adrenal glands. In both men and women, the adrenals contribute to testosterone production. This hormone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and libido. Nourishing the adrenals is essential for sustaining testosterone levels, especially in individuals with adrenal issues or those experiencing the natural decline of hormones with age.
So what nourishes the adrenals? And by nourishing this means foods that have the chemical makeup that the adrenals use to perform. Maybe you see a lot of ads for stress adaptogens. Foods like maca, ashwagandha, fennel, coriander, rose, shavegrass are strong adrenal nourishing foods.
The body’s stress response, often referred to as our “fight or flight”, comes from the adrenal glands. When we have acute and chronic stress, the adrenals can become overworked and depleted, leading to hormone imbalances, fatigue, and other health issues. Think of the chronic and acute stresses of a gazelle constantly worrying about a lion that gets closer and further away, and never leaving where they can feel safe.
And whether it is ensuring the continued production of estrogen after menopause or supporting testosterone levels, start with the adrenals! When we focus on adrenals, we will also find success with our digestion, heart, lungs.
One of the good things about getting older is that we understand stress and worry does not solve anything. It may take practice to change emotional patterns, but by recognizing the importance of adrenal health and finding peace in our storms, we can achieve that hormonal balance that keeps us strong!