Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are two small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that produce essential hormones including cortisol (the stress hormone), aldosterone (which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance), DHEA and DHEA-S (androgen precursors), and adrenaline (the fight-or-flight hormone). In approximately 20-30% of women with PCOS, the adrenal glands are a significant source of excess androgen production (particularly DHEA-S), a pattern identified through blood testing and sometimes called adrenal PCOS. Because adrenal androgen production is closely linked to the stress response, women with adrenal-driven PCOS often benefit from targeted stress management, adequate sleep, adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, and lifestyle modifications that reduce HPA axis overactivation.