Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gland
Hormone(s)
Disorder
DrugTherapy
Adrenal
cortex
Corticosteroids
Hypersecretion:Cushingssyndrome
Hyposecretion:Addisonsdisease
AntiadrenaldrugsCorticosteroids
Pancreatic
Islets
Insulin
Diabetesmellitus
Insulinandantidiabeticdrugs
Hyposecretion:smallstature
Somatotropin(Genotropin,others)
Hypersecretion:acromegaly(adults)
Octreotide(Sandostatin)
Hyposecretion:diabetesinsipidus
Vasopressin,desmopressin,and
lypressin
Growthhormone
Pituitary
Antidiuretic
hormone
Thyroid
Thyroidhormone
(T3andT4)
Hypersecretion:Gravesdisease
Hyposecretion:myxedema(adults),cretinism
(children)
Propylthiouracil(PTU)andI131
Thyroidhormone,levothyroxine(T4)
The adrenal glands are small structures attached to the top of each kidney. The human body has two
adrenal glands that release chemicals called hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones affect
many parts of the human body.
Alternative names
Suprarenal glands.
Where are my adrenal glands?
The human body has two adrenal glands and one sits on top of each kidney.
What do my adrenal glands do?
Each adrenal gland is composed of two distinct parts: the outer part called the adrenal cortex and the
inner adrenal medulla. The adrenal glands secrete different hormones which act as chemical
messengers. These hormones travel in the bloodstream and act on various body tissues to enable them
to function correctly. All adrenocortical hormones are steroid compounds derived from cholesterol.
What hormones do my adrenal glands produce?
The adrenal cortex produces three hormones:
Mineralocorticoids: the most important of which is aldosterone. This hormone helps to maintain
the bodys salt and water levels which, in turn, regulates blood pressure. Without aldosterone, the
kidney loses excessive amounts of salt (sodium) and, consequently, water, leading to severe
dehydration.
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Glucocorticoids: predominantly cortisol. This hormone is involved in the stress response and also
helps to regulate body metabolism. Cortisol stimulates glucose production by mobilising amino
acids and free fatty acids. Cortisol also has significant anti-inflammatory effects.
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Adrenal androgens: male sex hormones mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and
testosterone. All have weak effects, but play a role in early development of the male sex organs in
childhood, and in women during puberty. These are involved in creating and maintaining the
differences between men and women.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreted by the anterior pituitary primarily affects release of
glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens by the adrenal and to a lesser extent, also
stimulates aldosterone release.
The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines:
Catecholamines include adrenaline, noradrenaline and small amounts of dopamine - these hormones
are responsible for all the physiological characteristics of the stress response, the so called fight or
flight response.
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control tablets, and salt disturbances. High blood pressure may cause headaches and visual problems.
Overproduction of androgens is also rare but may result in excessive hair growth and menstrual period
disturbances.
Tumours of the adrenal gland are mostly benign and do not result in over or underproduction of adrenal
hormones. Most tumours are discovered incidentally when people undergo scans for various other
reasons. Adrenal cancer is very rare. Adrenal tumours may require surgery if they are large or
overproduce hormones.
The treatment of each disorder varies according to the specific cause. Patients with any concerns about
these conditions should seek advice from their doctor.