🩸 what your adrenals are telling you

Good morning. It’s Saturday, July 5, and today we’re taking a detour from your ovaries and heading straight for your adrenals—those tiny glands that pack a major hormonal punch.

If your cravings, mood, or sleep feel a little... chaotic lately, your cortisol might be running the show.

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The Essentials

Cortisol, Cravings & Chaos: Meet Your Adrenals

Contrary to the name, PCOS isn’t just about your ovaries. In many women, the adrenal glands (which sit on top of your kidneys) are the real scene-stealers.

These glands pump out cortisol—your main stress hormone. And when cortisol is high (think chronic stress, poor sleep, over-exercising, or skipped meals), it can trigger a cascade of chaos:

• 🔁 Increased insulin resistance

• 🍩 Intense sugar and carb cravings

• 💥 More androgens (aka more acne, hirsutism, missed periods)

That’s why PCOS sometimes feels like a full-body disorder—because it is.

What to Know

Supporting your adrenals doesn’t mean quitting life and moving to a cabin in the woods (tempting, though). Here are 3 simple cortisol-friendly habits you can start this week:

1. Go to bed before 11pm – Your body starts its natural cortisol reset around 10–11pm. Staying up late = prolonged stress exposure.

2. Eat within 60 minutes of waking – Skipping breakfast can spike cortisol and throw off your blood sugar all day. Even a protein smoothie counts.

3. Walk before you scroll – Light movement in the morning (bonus if it’s outside) helps lower cortisol and reset your circadian rhythm.

Your nervous system loves consistency. Little habits repeated daily >>> big routines you quit in 3 days.

You’re not lazy. You’re just running on empty.
PCOS isn’t a willpower problem—it’s a stress problem. And the more you care for your adrenals, the more your entire hormone system breathes a sigh of relief.

Breathe deep, sip slow, and keep showing up,
- Arzina | PCOS Queens 💜

Getting Back on Track

Updates You Can Use

> When your period’s more than “just a period.” If your cycle suddenly shifts—heavier bleeding, intense cramps, or irregular timing—it could be a sign that something deeper is going on. These changes might point to hormonal imbalances or other underlying health issues. It’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider to get the full picture.. (More)

> Your sneaky sidekick for steady blood sugar. Apple cider vinegar might help keep those blood sugar spikes in check by slowing down carb digestion and boosting insulin sensitivity, according to experts. But heads up—its acidity can be tough on your stomach and may not play nice with some meds. A quick chat with your healthcare provider is a smart move before giving it a go. (More)

Recipe of the Week

Grilled Salmon (Best Marinade)

This Grilled Salmon recipe from Julia’s Album is a quick, flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Grilled to perfection, the salmon develops a beautiful char while staying tender and juicy inside. It’s an easy, healthy option for a weeknight dinner or summer BBQ, ready in under 30 minutes! Full Recipe Available HERE.

PCOS Confessions

“PCOS made me slow down. I no longer hustle through fatigue — I respect my limits.”
— Maya, 34

“I gave up sugar for 30 days to help my hormones — and shockingly, I didn’t miss it as much as I thought.”
— Rae, 33

“PCOS pushed me to create routines I never had — now my mornings feel sacred instead of chaotic.”
— Leena, 35

^{Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.}

*Disclaimer: Every women is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.