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In males, the adrenal glands ensure sex organs form correctly during the childhood development years. The adrenal glands also release sex hormones, androgen, and estrogen. Without aldosterone, kidneys lose too much sodium and water, which can then generate a drop in blood pressure or life-threatening dehydration. In addition to these crucial duties, the main mineralocorticoid hormone – aldosterone – balances salt and water within the bloodstream, regulating the body’s blood pressure. This hormone group includes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, which are responsible for regulating immune system responses, fighting inflammation, monitoring heart functions, and converting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy. While the adrenal glands are best known for the creation of adrenaline – a hormone that releases in stressful situations, generating the “fight or flight” reflex – it also produces corticosteroid hormones.

The glands wrap around the top of each kidney like a glove.

The entire gland is wrapped in a protective adipose capsule. The cortex also plays an important role in the adrenal glands’ function by creating stress hormones. The adrenal cortex makes up the largest part of each adrenal gland and breaks out into three specific zones that produce specific, vital hormones. The small, triangular-shaped adrenal glands sit atop each kidney and are composed of two parts – the cortex and the medulla. The two quiet, undercover glands do their job without causing much fuss – usually. It’s common to experience stomach aches, a sore throat, or stiff joints, but we don’t usually suffer from an aching adrenal gland. While we are relatively unaware of their existence throughout our daily lives – they act as regulatory entities of an entire system. When just one function fails or is compromised, our life and livelihood can be thrown into a tailspin.Ī lesser-known piece of the much larger puzzle is the adrenal glands. Our bodies are complex creations of interwoven systems that must work together in order for life to continue.