Adrenal conditions in women
These small glands on top of your kidneys make cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which manage energy, blood pressure, and your stress response.
Conditions that affect your adrenal glands 3
Autoimmune and chronic conditions that can involve your adrenal glands. Each guide covers early signs, labs to ask about, and when to see a doctor.
Addison's disease
AutoimmuneThe immune system damages the adrenal glands, so they can't make enough cortisol and aldosterone. It's rare but serious, and different from everyday stress-related fatigue.
Anxiety
ChronicWorry, fear, or physical tension that's out of proportion to the situation and gets in the way of daily life. Physical causes such as thyroid or hormone changes can drive or worsen it.
Weight management
ChronicBody weight is shaped by genes, hormones, sleep, stress, medicines, and health conditions, not willpower alone. Care here focuses on health and on finding medical causes of weight change, at any body size.
Signs worth getting checked
- Dizziness when standing, with salt cravings
- Darkening skin, especially in creases and scars
- Fatigue with unexplained weight loss
- Episodes of very high blood pressure with headaches and sweating
Ingredients that affect your adrenal glands
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other supplements commonly used for the adrenal glands. Each one links to its full guide.
About your adrenal glands
What it does
Cortisol helps regulate energy, blood sugar, inflammation, and the stress response. Aldosterone balances salt, water, and blood pressure. Adrenaline drives the fight-or-flight response.
Common issues
- Changes in cortisol rhythm with chronic stress, such as feeling wired at night and tired in the morning
- Small adrenal nodules found on scans, which are usually harmless
- Low adrenal function after stopping long-term steroid medicine
- Rare hormone-producing tumors
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.