The adrenal glands are only 1 to 2-1/2 inches in length, but they affect many important bodily functions. The adrenal glands work within the endocrine system to produce hormones, which are chemicals produced in one part of the body that affect a function of another part of the body. As part of a complex system of glands, the adrenal gland function depends upon the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Any malfunction within this system can lead to adrenal gland dysfunction, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
Structure
Each of the adrenal glands consists of two distinct parts. The outer region known as the adrenal cortex produces hormones that affect the use and storage of energy, the levels of chemicals in the blood and body characteristics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The inner portion of the adrenal glands, known as the adrenal medulla, produces hormones that aid in dealing with physical and emotional stress.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
The adrenal cortex produces several types of hormones. Corticosteroid hormones, such as hydrocortisone, also known as cortisol, and corticosterone help the body efficiently store and use fats, carbohydrates and proteins. They also affect the immune system by suppressing inflammatory responses. Aldosterone, also produced by the adrenal cortex, stimulates the reabsorption of salts and water in the blood therefore affecting both blood volume and blood pressure. This part of the adrenal gland also produces sex hormones including testosterone, estrogen and progesterone that affect body characteristics such as hairiness.
Adrenal Medulla Hormones
The adrenal medulla produces hormones classified as catecholmines including adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, and noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine. These hormones often are referred to as the fight or flight hormones, help the body deal with stress. Adrenaline increases heart rate therefore increasing the blood flow to the brain and the muscles. It also relaxes smooth muscles and increases the rate at which the liver converts glycogen to energy, therefore increasing the amount of energy available. Noradrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict.
Overproduction Symptoms
A number of conditions and diseases can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much hormone. Cushing's syndrome is a disease characterized by the overproduction of cortisol. This can occur as a result of a pituitary tumor producing too much adrenocorticotropic hormone, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. Symptoms include a flushed round face, often described as a moon face, deposits of fat on the neck creating a hump, fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, irritability, anxiety and depression. A pheochromocytoma, a rare benign tumor on the adrenal medulla, increases the production of catecholamine hormones resulting in increased heart rate, high blood pressure, profound sweating, abdominal pain, anxiety and weight loss.
Underproduction Symptoms
Adrenal failure, caused by damage to the adrenal gland or disease, can result in a decreased level of hormones. Addison's disease, characterized by a deficiency in cortisol production, causes muscle weakness, low blood sugar, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
