Welcome to another episode of Crushing PCOS! In today’s episode, we discuss how PCOS affects your adrenals. Tune in to hear why the development of cortisol and ACTH is dysregulated in PCOS, and how cortisone is converted into cortisol in the body, resulting in central obesity. You’ll learn how the adrenals function, and what the four stages of adrenal fatigue are, ending in burnout or crash. We dive into the reasons why it’s so important to manage your adrenals as a PCOS patient. Learn about the methodology Dr. Malhotra uses to treat her patients, and how breathing and relaxation exercises can make the world of difference to your wellbeing. Managing your cortisol is a foundational step to better caring for your hormonal health as a whole. Tune in to hear Dr. Malhotra’s insights on how to do so today. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• A definition for PCOS in young women.
• Why the development of cortisol and ACTH is deregulated in PCOS.
• The link between increased HPA access activity and the phenotypic change in PCOS.
• How cortisone is converted into cortisol, resulting in central obesity.
• Location and function of the adrenal glands.
• The three layers of the adrenal cortex.
• Why the adrenals are so important and why adrenal fatigue is dangerous.
• The four stages: alarm, dismay, resistance, and burnout or crash.
• Symptoms of the last stages of adrenal fatigue.
• Why it is so important for PCOS patients.
• How to start working on your adrenals before you start seeing severe effects.
• Integrating a relaxation technique into your life at the start of each day.
• How yoga can help you to remain calm.
• Supporting your adrenals through doing a salivary cortisol test. 
• Why diet is so important and anything that causes stress should be avoided. 
• The methodology Dr. Malhotra uses in her practice: COPE; cellular detoxification, optimization of hormones, performance nutrition, and enhance mind mastery.
• The deep breathing exercise she developed for her client, Sonia.
• Why it is so important to manage your cortisol before you take on your other hormones. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

Anchor Wellness Center

The Institute of Functional Medicine