Adrenal Physiology and Menopause

Question 1

Adrenal gland

Answer 1

composed of the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla

Question 2

Adrenal cortex

Answer 2

produces (1) glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone), (2) mineralocorticoids (aldosterone); and sex steroids (primarily androgens)

Question 3

Adrenal medulla

Answer 3

Produces and secretes catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine)

Question 4

Adrenal androgens

Answer 4

dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione are precursors hormones are converted to active androgens or estrogens in the peripheral tissue

Question 5

Regulation of aldosterone secretions

Answer 5

1 - angiotensin II; 2 - potassium concentration; 3 - adrenocorticotropic homne secreted by the pituitary

Question 6

Watch video on this system to get a better understanding of how it works

Question 7

DHEAS

Answer 7

levels decrease with age, supplementations with exogenous DHEA is not recommended at that time due to lack of evidence for efficacy or safety; local vaginal therapy has been proven to improve vaginal pain and dyspareunia

Question 8

Adrenal fatigue

Answer 8

Is an unproven dx and should be differentiated from true adrenal insufficiency resulting from hypofx of the adrenal and pituitary glands and is diagnosed by low serum cortisol levels