The adrenal glands are triangle-shaped endocrine glands sitting atop each kidney. Despite their small size (about the size of a walnut), they produce several vital hormones that affect nearly every organ and tissue in the body.
Structure:
Each adrenal gland has two parts: the outer cortex and the inner medulla. The cortex produces cortisol (regulates metabolism and stress response), aldosterone (controls blood pressure and electrolyte balance), and small amounts of sex hormones. The medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline (fight-or-flight hormones).
The Stress Connection:
The adrenal glands are best known for their role in the stress response. When you experience stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary, which signals the adrenals to release cortisol and adrenaline. This cascade, called the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis, helps your body cope with physical and emotional stressors.
Adrenal Disorders:
Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency) occurs when the adrenals don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, causing fatigue, low blood pressure, and darkening skin. Cushing’s syndrome results from too much cortisol, causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood changes. ‘Adrenal fatigue’ is not a recognized medical diagnosis, though chronic stress can affect adrenal function.
