What are the adrenal glands? Adrenal Gland Hormones

The adrenal glands are very tiny glands located just above the kidneys. Just like you have two hands and two feet, you have two adrenal glands, a right, and a left. Each gland has two specialized layers — an outer layer called the adrenal cortex and an inner layer called the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal glands make several adrenal gland hormones that are released directly into the bloodstream and are essential for life.

Adrenal Gland

For a tiny gland, the adrenal packs a big punch! The adrenal cortex, the outer layer of the gland, makes three classes of hormones — mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol) and androgens. Aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure and two of the body’s electrolytes: sodium and potassium. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone and is necessary for life. Androgens are a fancy way to say sex hormones. The sex hormones made by the adrenal gland are more important in females than males, as men get high levels of testosterone from the testicles.

Suprarenal Gland: Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal Medulla

Finally, the inner layer of the adrenal gland (the adrenal medulla) makes what is commonly referred to as adrenaline. Actually, adrenaline is two hormones, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This specialized inner layer of the adrenal gland is considered to be a part of the body’s nervous system, helping the body respond to stress

— the “fight or flight” response.

Adrenal Gland Hormones: Why are they important for our general health?

Cortisol is the most important adrenal gland hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress and fight infections, and also helps regulate the blood sugar. Patients with low levels of cortisol may experience darkening of the skin (especially in the folds), tiredness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle pains, and salt cravings. In extreme circumstances, adrenal crises can occur and lead to death.

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Last Modified: Apr 2, 2021 @ 9:13 pm

About the Author

Chris Palmeiro D.O. M.Sc.

Dr. Christopher Palmeiro serves as the Medical Director of Telehealth for Moonlighting Solutions. He is also the Medical Director of the Inpatient Endocrinology Telemedicine Program at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Southern New Jersey. Additionally, Dr. Palmeiro serves Native American patients, in the Midwestern United States, via the Avera E-Care Specialty Telemedicine platform. Prior to his current positions, Dr. Palmeiro completed his fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Westchester Medical Center. He completed both his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center in Manhattan. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Palmeiro completed a Master of Science degree in clinical nutrition while in medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and was the first graduate of an innovative program that incorporated this degree into the medical school curriculum, earning him the John J. Theobald Graduate Achievement award.

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