The adrenal glands also produce important steroid hormones such as DHEA, and even some amounts of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. However, when we are under pressure, the adrenals' priority is to concentrate its efforts on the production of adrenaline and cortisols instead. The continuous demands of stress, therefore, can adversely affect our sexual response and reproductive health. Lifestyle changes are definitely in order for those with severely stressed adrenals. Regular massage, aromatherapy baths, moderate exercise and breathwork will also help to relieve built up physical and emotional tension.
Some health practitioners recommend up to one full year of rest for adrenal burn-out.
It is the popular notion that as we age we lose the ability to produce many of our vital hormones, resulting in a myriad of symptoms. These may include impotency, loss of muscle mass, poor memory, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, obesity, hot flashes, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Many of these hormones are synthetically produced and carry serious side effects, some of which are the very symptoms these hormones promise to reduce. The dance of the hormones is carefully choreographed, and artificial supplementation of one hormone can affect many others. One must be extremely careful with these potent supplements that have powerful effects on the body, many of which are still unknown.