What Are the Causes of High Adrenal Levels?

The human body has two tiny pyramid-shaped adrenal glands, one above each kidney. These glands produce adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, dopamine, androgens, estrogen and aldosterone. In some circumstances, the levels of these hormones can increase dramatically.

Threat

• The body's "fight or flight" response is designed to respond to a threatening situation with a rush of adrenaline. The burst of energy and strength can fuel a quick escape or a defensive attack.

Stress and Fatigue

• The adrenal glands will release chemicals to provide support during times of stress or fatigue. The chemical support is designed to provide energy and stamina to complete the task at hand.

Exercise

• High-intensity exercise will send signals to the adrenal glands to release adrenaline into the bloodstream.

Alcohol

• Acetaldehyde is an organic compound created during the metabolism of alcohol that stimulates the release of adrenaline and dopamine. Generally, the level of acetaldehyde is too low to cause a reaction. However, Asians are genetically sensitive to this compound, as are people taking the drug disulfiram (Antabuse).

Failure

• An adrenal gland that has been under a prolonged period of stress will eventually go into an exhaustion phase during which its levels plummet. Before doing so, the adrenal gland will go through a hyper phase, secreting excessive levels of adrenal hormones.

Pheochromocytoma

• Pheochromocytoma is the medical term for tumors on the central section of the adrenal glands, called the adrenal medulla. These tumors can cause excessive levels of adrenaline to be produced. Pheochromocytomas can cause death from extremely high blood pressure.