Estrogen and Adrenal Fatigue

Thought i would post this here to those not aware of the effects of estrogen on the HPA axis.

Here's an excerpt:

"Estrogen activates the adrenal stress reaction by way of the hypothalamus and pituitary, by direct actions on the adrenal glands, and by a variety of indirect effects, such as the increase of free fatty acids. It activates the excitotoxic glutamic acid pathway, and interferes with protective adenosine inhibition of nerves. It has both direct and indirect ways of promoting the formation of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. These, and other estrogen-promoted factors, quickly and seriously interfere with mitochondrial respiration. Many of these effects contribute to increased intracellular calcium and free radical production, contributing to both the excitatory excess and the energy deficit."


full article here:

http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/estrogen-age-stress.shtml




Something to consider for women with adrenal fatigue on estrogen-dominant birth control pills.