Connection Between Adrenal Glands and PCOS

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant fatigue, mood swings, irregular periods or frustrating hormonal imbalances that come with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’re not alone. At Red Leaf Wellness, we understand that managing PCOS can be a complicated and exhausting journey. 

Many women spend years searching for answers, often focusing solely on the ovaries as the source of their symptoms. But what if there’s another piece to the puzzle? What many don’t realize is that the adrenal glands, small but powerful organs perched above your kidneys, could be playing a major role in your PCOS. 

In this post, we’ll explore the connection between adrenal glands and PCOS and help you understand how your adrenal health could be impacting your symptoms. Get a clearer picture of how to better manage your condition and take actionable steps toward feeling more balanced and empowered.

What Are Adrenal Glands and Their Function in PCOS?

Adrenal Gland Anatomy Illustration

The adrenal glands might be small, but they play a critical role in regulating many of your body’s most essential hormones. Located just above the kidneys, these glands are responsible for producing hormones like cortisol (which helps your body manage stress) and DHEA-S, an androgen hormone that can affect everything from your metabolism to your menstrual cycle.

In women with adrenal gland PCOS, these glands can become overactive, producing higher levels of androgens like DHEA-S, which exacerbate symptoms like acne, irregular periods, and excess hair growth. Understanding this connection can help you take the next steps in managing your PCOS more effectively, and at Red Leaf Wellness, we’re here to guide you through that journey.

The Role of Adrenal Glands in PCOS: A Closer Look

The adrenal glands are essential for managing your body’s response to stress, producing cortisol, the hormone that helps you cope with life’s daily challenges. But for some women, these glands also produce elevated levels of DHEA and DHEA-S—androgens that can worsen PCOS symptoms.

When your adrenal glands are overworked, they can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in your body. This is where the connection between adrenal glands and PCOS comes in. If your adrenal glands are producing too many androgens, you might notice increased symptoms like acne, weight gain, or even mood swings. Identifying and addressing these adrenal imbalances can be key to managing PCOS more effectively.

At Red Leaf Wellness, a holistic wellness centre in Edmonton, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like adrenal gland PCOS with a holistic, personalized approach. Our adrenal function testing helps pinpoint whether your adrenal glands are contributing to your hormonal imbalances, so you can receive the most targeted treatment possible.

Common Symptoms of Adrenal Gland PCOS

Recognizing the symptoms of adrenal gland PCOS can be the first step toward finding the right treatment plan. Many women with this form of PCOS experience:

• Persistent fatigue
• Weight gain, especially around the midsection
• Acne and oily skin
• Irregular or missed periods
• Hair loss or excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Difficulty managing stress

These symptoms occur because of an overproduction of androgens from the adrenal glands, which affects multiple systems in the body. Understanding your adrenal gland body type and hormone levels can guide effective treatment strategies aimed at restoring balance.

Adrenal Function Testing: The Key to Understanding Adrenal Glands and PCOS

At Red Leaf Wellness, our first step is to fully understand the role your adrenal glands are playing in your PCOS symptoms. That’s why we offer comprehensive adrenal function testing. Testing allows us to assess whether your adrenal glands are contributing to your hormonal imbalance, enabling us to develop a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of your PCOS.

Types of Adrenal Tests for PCOS

1. Saliva Test: A non-invasive method that measures cortisol levels throughout the day to track adrenal activity.
2. Blood Test: Provides a snapshot of your hormone levels, including DHEA-S and cortisol, to assess adrenal function.
3. ACTH Stimulation Test: A definitive test that involves administering synthetic ACTH to see how well your adrenal glands produce cortisol.

Understanding your specific adrenal function can make all the difference in treating adrenal gland PCOS effectively. Testing helps us customize your care, focusing on balancing your hormones and improving your overall well-being.

Learn more about adrenal function testing here.

Treatment Options for Adrenal Gland PCOS: Restoring Balance

Once the connection between adrenal glands and PCOS is understood, treatment can focus on restoring balance and supporting adrenal health. A combination of lifestyle changes, adrenal support supplements, and hormone therapies like HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be highly effective.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Adrenal Health

1. Stress Management: Since stress directly impacts adrenal function, learning to manage stress through techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can significantly reduce cortisol levels.
2. Sleep: Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night is essential. Lack of sleep can exacerbate adrenal fatigue and worsen PCOS symptoms.
3. Nutrition: A balanced diet that’s rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps regulate hormones and supports adrenal health. Eating to stabilize blood sugar levels can also reduce the strain on your adrenal glands.

Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue and Hormonal Imbalance

Supporting your adrenal glands through adrenal gland supplements is a key part of managing adrenal gland PCOS. Common supplements that support adrenal function include:

• Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps balance cortisol and reduce stress, making it a powerful ally for your adrenal glands.
• Rhodiola: Another adaptogen that enhances your body’s resilience to stress and improves adrenal function.
• Magnesium: Helps regulate stress and promote relaxation, essential for healthy adrenal function.

These adrenal support supplements can play a critical role in restoring balance and alleviating symptoms of adrenal fatigue and PCOS.

Explore more adrenal support options at Red Leaf Wellness.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Adrenal Glands and PCOS

In cases where adrenal and hormonal imbalances are severe, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be an effective option. BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces, offering a safer, more natural alternative to synthetic hormones.

If you’re considering hormone therapy, you may be wondering, “how long does it take for HRT to work?” Most people start to feel improvements within a few weeks, though optimal results can take a few months.

HRT vs. Bioidentical Hormones: What’s the Difference?

One question we often get is, “HRT vs bioidentical hormone therapy—which is better?” While both therapies aim to restore hormone balance, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is often favored for its ability to closely mimic the body’s natural hormones, reducing side effects that are commonly associated with traditional HRT.

The cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Canada varies, but at Red Leaf Wellness, we tailor each plan to your specific needs, ensuring that you get the most effective and cost-efficient care possible.

How Long Does It Take for HRT to Work?

If you’re considering HRT as part of your treatment for adrenal gland PCOS, you may be wondering, “how long does it take for HRT to work?” While individual experiences vary, many patients notice improvements within a few weeks. However, full benefits often take several months of consistent treatment and monitoring to achieve, particularly when addressing the connection between the adrenal glands and PCOS.

Check out our blog on HRT and its possible side effects.

Natural PCOS Management Strategies: Acupuncture, Herbal Care, and DIY Remedies

In addition to medical treatments like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), many women find relief from PCOS symptoms through natural and holistic approaches. At Red Leaf Wellness, we believe in integrating both Eastern and Western medicine to create a well-rounded treatment plan. Below are some effective PCOS management strategies that can help alleviate symptoms, improve hormone balance, and promote overall well-being.

Acupuncture for Adrenal Glands and PCOS

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to restore balance and promote healing in the body. For women with adrenal gland PCOS, acupuncture can be particularly effective in reducing stress, regulating the menstrual cycle, and balancing hormones. Research has shown that acupuncture may help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen levels, and support ovarian function—all of which are crucial for managing PCOS.

At Red Leaf Wellness, our highly trained acupuncturists create customized treatment plans to target specific PCOS symptoms. Acupuncture sessions can be complemented by other holistic therapies, providing a comprehensive approach to hormone balance.

Learn more about acupuncture services at Red Leaf Wellness.

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Adrenal Glands and PCOS

Many women with PCOS turn to herbal medicine as a natural way to support their adrenal glands and balance hormones. Certain herbs are particularly beneficial for women with adrenal gland PCOS, helping to regulate cortisol levels, reduce androgen production, and improve overall hormonal balance and fertility. 

While herbal remedies can be highly effective, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or naturopath to ensure you’re using the right herbs for your specific condition. At Red Leaf Wellness, we offer expert guidance on incorporating herbal medicine into your PCOS management plan.

DIY Tips for Supporting Adrenal Glands and PCOS

There are also simple, DIY strategies you can implement at home to support your adrenal glands and manage PCOS symptoms more effectively:

1. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Since stress is a significant trigger for adrenal hormone imbalances, incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or even deep breathing exercises can help lower cortisol levels and improve adrenal health.
2. Stay Active: Gentle, regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help regulate insulin levels, reduce stress, and promote hormone balance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
3. Eat a Balanced, Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on eating whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugars, which can lead to insulin spikes and exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
4. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Excess Caffeine: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for adrenal health. Caffeine can overstimulate your adrenal glands, leading to further hormone imbalances, so it’s best to limit or avoid it altogether.
5. Prioritize Sleep: Lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels and worsen symptoms of adrenal gland PCOS. Creating a bedtime routine that helps you relax and unwind can improve your sleep quality and support adrenal function.

By integrating these natural strategies into your daily routine, you can provide your body with the support it needs to manage the connection between adrenal glands and PCOS effectively.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your PCOS by Understanding the Adrenal Gland Connection

Addressing adrenal gland PCOS is key for many women who are struggling with unresolved PCOS symptoms. By identifying the role your adrenal glands are playing, you can move toward more effective treatments that address the root cause of your symptoms.

At Red Leaf Wellness, we provide personalized care that includes adrenal function testing, lifestyle support, and treatments like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Our goal is to help you achieve long-term wellness and regain control over your health. Don’t let hormonal imbalances rule your life—take the first step toward feeling better today.

Book your appointment with Red Leaf Wellness and discover how our team at Red Leaf Wellness can support you on your path to wellness.