It also suppresses immune response to concentrate energy on dealing with the stressor. This hormone release happens in response to a signal from the pituitary gland and results in a long-term stress response that increases blood glucose.

The hormones produced by the cortex are essential in regulating excretory, immune defense, metabolic, mineral balancing and reproductive functions. The adrenal cortex is responsible for the production of a wide range of hormones called glucocorticoids, including cortisol, and the mineral corticoids, aldosterone and testosterone. These hormones are part of the “fight-or-flight” response that causes a fast, short-term increase in blood sugar levels, breathing rate, cardiac output, blood flow to the muscles, lungs, and brain, and the cellular metabolism that causes one’s need to escape when perceiving danger. In response to triggers from the hypothalamus, the adrenal medulla secretes hormones called epinephrine (a.k.a. The accumulated effects of internal and external stressors have a profound impact on the adrenal glands, an impact that affects all areas of hormonal health.Įach adrenal gland sits on top of one of the kidneys and contains two parts-the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. These small glands secrete the stress-response hormones that guide the body’s reaction to a stressor, as well as small amounts of estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and progesterone. The two adrenal glands are among the most important glands in the body.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms