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Adrenal Gland Information

There are two adrenal glands in the body, located one on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands produce hormones that help the body function. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, controls the release of hormones that trigger secretion of corticotrophin from the pituitary gland, which in turn makes the adrenal glands produce corticosteroids. Then the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, which the kidney's regulates, causes the production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands. The body regulates this process for optimal function throughout the day, unless outside influences interfere and cause problems.

  1. Function

    • The medulla, or center part of the adrenal glands, produces the hormone adrenaline, which is responsible for controlling blood pressure, heart rate, sweating and other sympathetic nervous system functions. The outer part, or cortex, of the adrenal glands produces corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid hormones that also help with blood pressure control, and regulate the levels of salt and potassium in the body. Another function of the adrenal glands is the production of androgens, which includes testosterone and other hormones of this type.

    Identification

    • The adrenal glands are orange in color, triangular in shape, almost 1/2-inch in height and 3 inches long.

    Addison's Disease

    • Addison's disease results from the underproduction of adrenal hormones. Cancer, infection, other diseases and autoimmune conditions cause Addison's disease. A genetic abnormality of the adrenal glands themselves can also cause Addison's. Early symptoms of Addison's disease include feeling weak, tired and dizzy upon standing. Dark skin patches are another symptom of the disease in some people. Weight loss, dehydration, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, along with cold intolerance are symptoms that occur in times of excessive stress. If the condition is not treated, severe abdominal pain, very low blood pressure, extreme weakness, kidney failure and shock can occur.

    Cushing's Syndrome

    • Cushing's syndrome results from the overproduction of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. A tumor is usually responsible for the adrenal glands producing too much corticosteroid hormone. Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include excessive amounts of fat on the torso and upper back, a round moon face, weak muscles, thin skin that bruises easily and takes a long time to heal, purple streaks on the abdomen and fatigue. People with the condition for a long time have other symptoms that include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, greater risk for infections, increased risk of kidney stones and diabetes, depression, and sometimes hallucinations. Women may have irregular menstrual cycles, more facial and body hair and baldness, while children with Cushing's syndrome often never grow a lot, remaining very short.

    Other Conditions

    • Other conditions caused by problems with the adrenal glands include Hyperaldosteronism, which is the overproduction of aldosterone, Pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor that causes overproduction of hormones that leads to high blood pressure, and Virilzation, which is the exaggerated development of masculine characteristics.

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