The adrenal glands are small, crescent-shaped organs located above each kidney. They are responsible for maintaining several key body processes, including blood pressure, stress responses, and the balance of our sex hormones (fertility and sexual maturation). Each part of the gland performs a unique function, all of which are essential for health, which is why it's important to learn how to spot adrenal disorders.

What Are Adrenal Glands?

Each adrenal gland contains an inner medulla surrounded by an outer cortex. The medulla releases epinephrine, or adrenaline. The cortex contains three hormone-producing zones. Each zone has a particular function and releases specific hormones. These hormones are aldosterone, cortisol, as well as several sex hormones. Adrenal hormones come from cholesterol, so adequate cholesterol intake supports their production.

What Hormones Are Produced By Adrenal Glands?

The major role of the adrenal glands in our bodies is to produce a number of different hormones. Each hormone is responsible for maintaining a unique part of our homeostasis (the balance in our body).

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

The adrenal medulla is the central region of the gland and is responsible for secreting epinephrine (adrenaline). Fear or suprise activates epinephrine, causing noticeable changes throughout the body. This hormone is responsible for the "fight or flight" response of our ancestors. It prepares the body for sudden exertion, such as running away from or turning to fight a threat.

Aldosterone

The outer layer of the adrenal cortex releases the hormone aldosterone, which makes the kidneys hold on to potassium and sodium and keep them in the body. Because higher levels of these ions are present in the blood, they draw more water in to dilute them, which increases blood pressure and maintains hydration of our tissues. It also maintains the ion balance in the intestines.

Cortisol

The middle layer of the adrenal cortex produces the hormone cortisol, which helps the body adapt to long-term stress. During stressful periods, cortisol stimulates the liver to produce glucose and prompts fat cells to release free fatty acids for energy. At the same time, cortisol slows processes such as tissue growth, immune activity, inflammation, and other anabolic functions. Prolonged elevations in cortisol can also reduce the body's ability to use glucose efficiently, contributing to insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances.

Sex Hormones

The inner layer of the adrenal cortex continually secretes DHEA, androgens, progesterone and estrogen. These hormones act to balance those released by our gonads (sexual organs). During development, these hormones support proper male sexual organ development.

Adrenal Disorders

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

An enzyme deficiency causes this condition, which may result in ambiguous genitalia in newborns. This deficiency prevents the proper synthesis of all of the hormones of the adrenal cortex, particularly cortisol. This can result in a number of potentially life-threatening symptoms depending on the severity of the condition.

Addison's Disease

The condition called Addison’s disease occurs when there is insufficient steroid hormone production. This autoimmune disorder causes the body to attach the adrenal glands. Sometimes the disorder occurs concurrently with other autoimmune disorders; however, not always do so. The symptoms of Addison’s are varied and may confuse sufferers by their assumed non-relatedness. Symptoms include: light-headedness, weight loss, nausea, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, muscle weakness, sweating and joint pain. In severe cases, this disease can cause dangerous symptoms like low blood pressure and coma. One way to identify Addison’s, is by looking for a combination of darkened skin along creases and old scars and lowered blood pressure.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome results from excessive cortisol levels in the body. This can be due to external sources or due to overproduction by the adrenal cortex. People with Cushing's syndrome have central obesity, growth failure, hirsutism (females taking on male sexual characteristics), acne, and a large, round moon face.

Adrenal Atrophy

Conventional treatment with high doses or long-term use of corticosteroids, commonly prescribed for asthma and arthritis, can lead to a shrinking of the adrenal glands. As adrenal glands shrink, their ability to function decreases.

Adrenal Failure

Adrenal failure is a rare but serious condition. It differs from adrenal fatigue. Symptoms of this condition are severe abdominal pains, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, profound fatigue, depression, extremely low blood pressure, weight loss, kidney failure, and eventually shock. The final stage is called adrenal crisis. Without treatment, it can quickly become life-threatening.

Adrenal Depletion / Adrenal "Fatigue"

Adrenal fatigue is not a recognized medical diagnosis. The term describes physical effects linked to prolonged stress. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, and blood sugar imbalances. As the dysfunction gets more serious, other symptoms can occur, such as: fainting, diarrhea, depression, moodiness, feeling cold, discolouration of the skin, swelling and loss of body hair.

An endocrinologist manages most adrenal conditions. Healthy lifestyle habits can also support adrenal function during treatment.