Low Progesterone

Q: I'm wondering about the connection between the thyroid and adrenal glands. I know that they are both endocrine glands that emit hormones, and that women with low temperatures may have low thyroid hormones and sluggish energy. Is there any reading you could recommend to help me get clear on this?

A: Please visit www.DrRind.com, the website of Bruce Rind, MD. Dr. Rind explores the relationship between the thyroid and adrenal glands and estrogen dominance; he also lists natural remedies for addressing a sluggish thyroid and adrenals. (Chapters 6 and 12 in The Garden of Fertility can give you introductory information about thyroid problems.) Dr. Rind explains that if a person has a sluggish thyroid (hypothyroidism), s/he typically has sluggish adrenals (hypoadrenals) as well. He finds that estrogenic foods and pharmaceuticals (i.e. sugar, soy and the Pill) can contribute to estrogen dominance, which in turn can contribute to hypothyroidism and/or hypoadrenals. Soy is high in phyto (plant-based) estrogens, which deplete thyroid hormones and can also offset the balance of estrogen to progesterone. When sugar is consumed, it's a "shock" to the bloodstream; this can elevate cortisol levels..and in turn deplete progesterone levels, and in turn lead to estrogen dominance. All this stuff is worth exploring!!