What are the Adrenal Glands?
The two adrenal glands are a critical component of the body’s ability to adapt to stress. Each of these glands weighs about 4 grams and is located at the top portion of the two kidneys. There are two major parts of the adrenal gland. The inner portion known as the adrenal medulla synthesizes and secretes the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The outer portion known as the adrenal cortex synthesizes and secretes corticosteroids such as cortisol, mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone, and steroid hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), pregnenolone, and others.
The numerous adrenal hormones have wide-ranging actions and essentially affect all the organs in the body. The general categories include modulating inflammation and the immune system, blood glucose regulation, mood, cognitive function, energy production, digestive and urinary tract function, exercise recovery, hormone regulation, metabolism, muscle and joint health, and many other major categories.
