Stefani Ruper The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (you can read an introduction to it here) is one of the leading contributors to poor reproductive health. The pituitary gland tells the reproductive organs what to do, and the hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland what to do. If the hypothalamus puts up a stop sign, then sex hormone levels fall. … Read more
Pregnenolone steal is not a term commonly used by medical professionals and doctors. Yet if described to them, they would happily admit that it is a real phenomenon that affects millions of people. In fact, it affects every person (and especially every woman, since female hormones are more sensitive than male) who has ever been … Read more
There are two primary ways in which the HPA axis (read an overview of the axis and what it does here) can malfunction: its activity can increase, or its activity can decrease. I discuss increased and decreased adrenal and pituitary function below. Why all this talk on the HPA Axis? Because, as we know, hormone … Read more
PCOS is a complex condition. It can be caused by many things… which means that it can also be overcome via many different strategies. What are the best PCOS treatment options? What are the worst PCOS treatment options? PCOS treatment options: choosing which is right for you There are many different causes of PCOS. I … Read more
The abbreviation HPA axis stands for Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis. Sometimes it is the HPAT or HPATO axis, standing for Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Thyroid-Ovary axis – depending on how expansive and inclusive you want your definition to be. This axis describes the complex interaction between the vast diversity of hormone hubs, via direct influences and feedback mechanisms. The HPA axis … Read more
The most important thing to do when diagnosed with PCOS is learn. The troublesome thing about PCOS is that it can be caused by many different things, and usually by more than one at a time. It can be overwhelming. But really it isn’t – don’t panic! If you start from the beginning, (and read … Read more
What is PCOS? PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – which describes the condition of having multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Up to 15 percent of women in the states suffer from PCOS. It is the leading cause of infertility in the Western world. What is PCOS: The Diagnosis In order to be diagnosed … Read more
When doing some research on phytoestrogens earlier this week, I came across information on molecules that perform the same antagonistic activity but this time with progesterone. I hadn’t thought of this before, though it seems obvious to me now. If some herbs and foods are going to interrupt with estrogen receptor activity, then some are … Read more