Most people have paired adrenal glands, also called suprarenal glands. One of which sits on top of each kidney. Each adrenal gland consists of an outer and inner portion. The outer layer is called the adrenal cortex and the inner layer is called the adrenal medulla.

Hormones produced by the adrenal gland include mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens (sex hormones), epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Mineralocorticoids

Mineralocorticoids are steroid hormones, which help regulate normal balance of fluid and certain minerals in your body. Aldosterone, the major mineralocorticoid, helps maintain balance of sodium and postassium in your body. In addition, aldosterone helps adjust or maintain your normal blood volume and blood pressure by stimulating reabsorption of fluid.

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids also called corticosteroids, are steroid hormones, which regulate metabolism of glucose by controlling your body’s use of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These steroid hormones also work in different ways to increase your body’s ability to fight stress.

Glucocorticoids include cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone. Among the three, cortisol, also called hydrocortisone, is the most common.

Androgens

Also called androgenic steroids, androgen hormones have little effect on the development of male characteristics. However, these hormones help during the early stages of puberty in both males and females.

Mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens are produced and secreted by the adrenal cortex.

The inner layer of your adrenal gland produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, also called adrenaline and noradrenaline, respectively.

These hormones help you to cope with physical and emotional stress. Some of the major effects of these hormones include:

 increased heart rate

 elevated blood pressure

 increase in metabolism

 increased blood flow to the heart, skeletal muscles, brain, and the liver.

Page Last Revised: January 18, 2011

[Top of Page]