Adrenal Glands – Responsible for More than Just the Adrenaline Rush

Flight or fight mode is put into action when our adrenal glands receive danger or stress signals and adrenaline suddenly pours out. These two small glands are located on top of each kidney and are responsible for more than spewing out adrenaline. They are also in control of churning out the hormones that responsible for regulating blood sugar, contribute to normal sexual development and keeps the blood volume where it should be.

Several health problems can occur when these glands malfunction. If you produce more than enough of the steroid hormone cortisol due to overactive glands, this may lead to Cushing’s syndrome. This syndrome usually causes weight gain in the abdomen, around the collarbone or behind the neck that seems to be unexplained. The disease can be treated with medication or surgery and can also cause other adrenal gland symptoms such as dark stripes that have a purplish tint in the armpits, on the buttocks and on the abdomen. You may also be experiencing facial hair and a change in your complexion.

When the adrenal glands stop producing these steroid-based hormones, another problem occurs. This problem is called Addison’s disease and results in adrenal gland symptoms such as darkening of the skin, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, lethargy and weakness. If you have this disease, your doctor can treat it by prescribing hormone replacement taken twice daily.