Adrenal PCOS - What is it, causes, symptoms, blood tests, treatment
We have 2 adrenal glands on top of each kidney. These produce stress hormones - cortisol and adrenaline, and sex hormones - DHEA and testosterone. An increase in cortisol and DHEA-S causes an imbalance of hormones and leads to PCOS symptoms(Title:- Symtoms of PCOS). This is known as Adrenal PCOS.
But what causes this, what are its symptoms, how can you detect this kind of PCOS and is there any treatment for this? We’ve explained all this and more with 4 songs from our playlist.
P.S. These also make up for a great period mixtape.
#1. Stressed Out - What causes Adrenal PCOS?
by twenty one pilots
Any kind of stress causes the adrenal gland to release more cortisol (remember ‘fight or flight’ mode?), which increases DHEA-S levels. DHEA-S (aka androgen) is a hormone (like testosterone), produced by the adrenal glands. This includes both emotional stress caused by work, family, finances, and life in general or physical stress caused by unhealthy eating habits, poor diets, overeating or undereating.
While such stress is inevitable, this short-term stress becomes chronic stress leading to increased cortisol production. And high cortisol levels suppress your immune and digestive systems, interfere with normal metabolism, thyroid function, reproductive functioning, and more. Which then leads to weight gain, elevated blood sugar, mood, and gut disorders.
#2. Hot N Cold - What are the symptoms of Adrenal PCOS?
by Katy Perry
Stress, mood swings, fatigue and sleep issues could be a sign of Adrenal PCOS. This is accompanied by weight gain, one of the most likely symptoms of Adrenal PCOS. And some may also face acne, hair growth/loss, irregular periods.
#3. Levels - How to detect Adrenal PCOS?
by Avicci
1. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Test
This is used to detect Aka 17-OHP, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands involved in the production of cortisol. The test is used to determine the presence of late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia, another medical condition that can mimic the symptoms of PCOS(Title:-Symptoms of PCOS).
2. DHEA Sulphate Test
This is used to measure the levels of DHEA-S in your blood. DHEAS stands for dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, a male sex hormone found in both men and women. DHEAS is responsible for making the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen and is also involved in the development of male sexual characteristics at puberty.
3. 8 A.M, serum cortisol
The test screens for diseases that affect your pituitary and adrenal glands by measuring the blood levels of cortisols
#4. Catch & Release - How to treat Adrenal PCOS?
by Matt Simons
1. Exercising in moderate levels
As per a recent study high-intensity, short-rest, resistance exercise can cause an increased adrenal response. Workouts like Crossfit have shown higher levels of cortisol production. That’s why, if you’ve got adrenal PCOS you should avoid high-intensity cardio that lasts for over an hour and try circuit training, resistance training or lower-level cardiovascular training. Mike T. Nelson recommends using a heart rate monitor to help you stay between 120 and 140 beats per minute, and sometimes even lower than that
2. Get enough sleep
7-8 hours of sleep will help stabilise your HPA axis and cortisol. And it also improves insulin sensitivity. To help improve sleep, switch your electronic devices to night mode and switch to yellow lights. That’s because blue light from devices and tube lights interfere with a sleep hormone called melatonin.
3. Manage stress
Use de-stressing techniques like walking out in nature 3 times a week, reduce your caffeine intake, try one-on-one therapy or group therapy.
4. Supplements
Ashwagandha - for reducing anxiety and countering long term effects of stress
Magnesium - to calm your nervous system and regulate your HPA axis
Maca Root - to stabilise your HPA axis and reduce stress levels
B-vitamins - to improve anxiety, reduce stress and calm your nervous system
Lastly, we hope our period mixtape helps you de-stress too!
