Estradiol, estriol, and progesterone are “female” hormones that among other things regulate the menstrual cycle in pre-menopausal women. (Estradiol and estriol along with estrone are collectively known as the estrogens). When a woman’s adrenal function is compromised as a result of chronic stress, an outcome can be a reduction in sex hormones, with progesterone affected to a greater extent than the estrogens. Prior to menopause, up to 30% of female hormones are produced in the adrenals, after menopause up to 50% is produced in the adrenals.

Testosterone is a “male” hormone which also in women maintains lean body mass, bone density, skin elasticity, and libido. DHEA modulates many physiological processes, including the immune function in addition to being a precursor from which testosterone and the estrogens are formed.