OAT AXIS - How are these 3 endocrine organs reliant on one another?

Let me start by saying that the OAT axis stands for ovarian, adrenal, thyroid axis. All 3 endocrine organs are vitally important. They all work together in harmony regulating one another. When one of the organs is under functioning it places added stress on other organs in this system. Below I have detailed the interconnected effects they have on one another

Adrenal Ovary Connection

Although the ovaries are the primary producers of estrogen and progesterone in the body, the adrenal glands do have the ability to produce small amounts of these steroid hormones as well. The adrenals primary function is to produce our stress hormones, epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. Over the lifetime, if chronic stress is not managed this causes some degree of exhaustion and ill symptoms may follow. Once a woman entres menopause and the ovaries seize to produce steroid hormones, it is the adrenal glands that take over this primary function. In order to support a woman as she entres this stage in her life, it becomes of vital importance to support the adrenals glands to assist in a smooth transitional period. Additionally, as I have mentioned before, under chronic stress there is an increase in cortisol production from the adrenal glands. However, progesterone and cortisol share the same precursor molecule, pregnenalone. This results in decreased progesterone, creating hormonal imbalance which may even include missed periods.

Thyroid Adrenal Connection

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels, impede optimal thyroid gland function. When cortisol levels goes up, so does estrogen. Estrogen will block uptake of thyroid hormone on a cellular level. In contrast, adequate thyroid hormone is necessary for cortisol to function properly. on the other hand, Excess cortisol suppresses thyroid function. Once cortisol entres the blood stream in sufficient amounts it provides negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to stop sending those signals. But these glands also regulate thyroid hormone production. Therefore with reduced activity, thyroid activity declines. Stress also increases inflammatory cytokine production which suppress TSH and thyroid hormone production.

Ovary Thyroid Connection

You may be surprised to know that the ovaries contain the second highest levels of iodine in the body, after the thyroid. Therefore iodine deficiency can initiate declines in both thyroid and ovarian function. One of the most important synergies is the effect thyroid hormones have on the ovaries when binding to their receptors. Thyroid hormone plays a critical role in ovum (egg) development and maturation, as well as conception. Excess thyroid hormone increases estrogen receptor sensitivity, whereas too little has the opposite effect, less estrogen and libido. Therefore an under functioning thyroid in the case of hypothyroidism is likely to cause menstrual irregularities and problems with fertility