The adrenal cortex (the outer part) also makes important hormones, the corticosteroids. Addison's disease is caused by the inability of the adrenal glands to make enough regulating hormones.Īdrenaline is the best known of the hormones that are made by the adrenal glands in the adrenal medulla (the central part of the gland). These glands form part of the endocrine system, which works with the nervous system and the immune system to help your body cope with different events and stresses. The human body has two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. Call (212) 305-0444 or request an appointment online.Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) is a rare and progressive (worsening) disorder that affects one in every 10,000 people. If you are dealing with an adrenal issue, our team at the Columbia Adrenal Center is here to help. The following sections will provide information about adrenal conditions and their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and, where applicable, what is known about genetic causes.

linked to specific genes or syndromes), most of the time they are sporadic or random. While some adrenal diseases can be inherited (i.e. The early detection and treatment of adrenal disease can significantly improve outcomes and profoundly improve a patient's quality of life. The main diseases of a hyperactive adrenal gland include: primary hyperaldosteronism (too much aldosterone), Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol), and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (too much adrenaline).

helps you respond to stressful situations) and are better known as& adrenaline.Īdrenal disease usually occurs when there is a tumor (either cancer or benign) and/or a hyperactive adrenal gland that makes too much of any of these hormones.

These hormones help with the 'fight or flight' response (i.e. The adrenal medulla, or inner portion of the adrenal gland, produces a group of hormones known as catecholamines. Hormone: Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen)įunction: Control reproductive organs and development of male/female characteristics

The adrenal cortex, or outer portion of the adrenal gland has three layers, each making a different hormone:įunction: Controls immune system, inflammation, stress response If the adrenal gland were a peanut butter sandwich, the cortex would be the bread and the medulla the peanut butter. The glands consist of an outer part called the cortex and an inner part called the medulla. The adrenal glands make a variety of hormones that are essential to maintaining the normal function of the body. The adrenal glands are two small glands (each weighs about 4 to 6 grams) located in the back of the abdomen immediately above the kidneys.

Adrenal gland disorders