Adrenal Gland

The adrenal glands are small but powerful endocrine glands located on top of each kidney. They produce essential hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which play a major role in the functioning of the body. These hormones help control metabolism, maintain blood pressure, balance fluids and electrolytes, and regulate the body’s response to physical and emotional stress. In short, adrenal glands act as the body’s internal support system keeping you energized, stable, and prepared to respond to everyday challenges.

What Are the Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are two small, triangular endocrine glands located on top of each kidney. They produce essential hormones that help control metabolism, blood pressure, stress response, immune function, and many other critical processes.

These hormones - such as cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), aldosterone, and androgens - directly influence how your body reacts to danger, pain, fatigue, hunger, excitement, and illness.

What Is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is the body’s hormonal communication network. This system includes glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate:

• Growth and development

• Metabolism

• Blood sugar levels

• Reproduction

• Stress response

• Sleep and circadian rhythm

• Mood and emotional balance

Major glands in this system include the adrenal glands, thyroid, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries/testes, hypothalamus, and parathyroid glands. All work together to keep the body in balance.

What Do the Adrenal Glands Do?

The adrenal glands produce hormones that help maintain homeostasis - the stable internal environment required for survival. Their key functions include:

• Regulating stress response
  (fight-or-flight survival mechanism)

• Managing blood pressure and electrolyte balance

• Regulating metabolism and energy conversion

• Supporting immune system activity

• Maintaining healthy inflammation levels

• Affecting mood and emotional stability

• Influencing puberty and reproductive hormones

The adrenal glands are especially critical when the body must respond quickly - whether to danger, illness, dehydration, injury, or shock.

Which Other Organs and Glands Interact With the Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands work in harmony with several other organs and glands, especially the brain.

The most important connection is the HPA axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis):

1. The hypothalamus detects changes and releases CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone).

2. The pituitary gland releases ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).

3. ACTH signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol and other hormones.

Other interactions include:

• Kidneys (aldosterone regulation)

• Pancreas (blood sugar control)

• Immune system (inflammation regulation)

• Nervous system (fight-or-flight response)

This hormonal network helps the body adapt quickly to physical or emotional challenges.

Can a Person Live Without Adrenal Glands?

It is possible - but only with lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

If both adrenal glands are removed or fail due to disease:

• The body cannot produce cortisol, aldosterone, or other essential hormones

• Without replacement medication, the condition becomes life-threatening

People without adrenal glands must take multiple daily hormone medications and require medical monitoring throughout life.

Where Are the Adrenal Glands Located?

There are two adrenal glands:

• One on top of the right kidney

• One on top of the left kidney

Their location deep inside the abdomen protects them from injury - appropriate for organs vital for stress survival.

What Are the Parts of the Adrenal Glands?

Each adrenal gland has two main regions, and both produce different hormones:

1. Adrenal Cortex (outer layer)

   • Produces cortisol

   • Produces aldosterone

   • Produces androgens (sex hormones)

2. Adrenal Medulla (inner layer)

   • Produces adrenaline (epinephrine)

   • Produces noradrenaline (norepinephrine)

Together, these structures allow rapid yet controlled responses to stress and physical demands.

How Big Are the Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are small but powerful. On average, each adrenal gland is:

• About 4–6 cm long

• Roughly 3 cm wide

• Approximately 5 grams in weight

Despite their small size, they play a major role in survival.

What Common Conditions and Disorders Affect the Adrenal Glands?

Some of the most common adrenal disorders include:

• Addison’s Disease: Underactive adrenal glands - not enough cortisol and aldosterone

• Cushing’s Syndrome: Excessive cortisol production

• Adrenal Fatigue (controversial but widely discussed): Hormonal disruption from chronic stress

• Pheochromocytoma: Tumor that produces excess adrenaline

• Adrenal Hyperplasia: Enlargement leading to abnormal hormone production

• Adrenal Cancer: Rare but serious

• Adrenal Insufficiency: When adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones for any reason

These disorders may develop slowly or sometimes very suddenly.

What Are the Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Problems?

Because adrenal hormones affect the whole body, symptoms can be widespread and confusing.

Low adrenal function (e.g., Addison’s, adrenal insufficiency)

• Chronic fatigue

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Low blood pressure / dizziness

• Salt cravings

• Darker skin patches (hyperpigmentation)

• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

• Depression or irritability

High adrenal function (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome, tumors)

• Weight gain (especially face and abdomen)

• Round "moon face"

• Purple stretch marks on skin

• High blood pressure

• Muscle weakness

• Anxiety and mood swings

• High blood sugar

• Bone loss

Any major shift in weight, stress response, or energy levels may signal adrenal involvement.

Which Tests Are Used to Evaluate the Health of the Adrenal Glands?

Doctors may perform:

• Blood tests (cortisol, ACTH, aldosterone, sodium, potassium)

• 24-hour urine test (to measure hormone patterns)

• Saliva cortisol test (checks daily cortisol rhythm)

• ACTH stimulation test

• Dexamethasone suppression test

• CT scan or MRI (to detect tumors or enlargement)

These tests help determine adrenal function and guide treatment.

When Should I See a Doctor About Adrenal Gland Issues?

You should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest

• Sudden or unexplained weight gain or weight loss

• Constant high or low blood pressure

• Recurrent dizziness or fainting

• Severe salt cravings

• Anxiety, mood swings, or constant stress

• Dark patches on the skin

• Unusual stretch marks

• Frequent infections or slow recovery from illness

Seek emergency help if:

• Vomiting, dehydration, and low blood pressure occur suddenly

• Loss of consciousness or severe confusion develops
  This may indicate an adrenal crisis - a medical emergency.

Your adrenal glands help you adjust to stress, stay energetic, recover from sickness, and maintain stability in the body. If something feels off - whether your energy, stress tolerance, weight, or blood pressure - it may be worth checking adrenal health. With professional testing and care, adrenal disorders can be managed, and recovery is possible.

Listen to your body and don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Supporting your adrenal health means supporting your resilience, your mental balance, and your ability to live life with strength and stability.