The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for the production of some important hormones. A famous med school mnemonic is:
“Salt, Sugar, Sex… the deeper you go the sweeter it gets”
-A wise med student trying to get by
This is because indeed the adrenal cortex is responsible for producing:
Salt Hormones: Aldosterone
Important hormone in regulating the fluid and electrolytes in our body.
Sugar Hormones: Glucocorticoids & Cathecholamines
Cortisol and epinephrine are the predominant glucosteroid produced. Cortisol plays a role in blood sugar metabolism, inflammation and the immune system. Epinephrine influences blood sugar metabolism and our cardiovascular system.
Sex Hormones: Estrogen, testosterone, DHEA
Many forget that the adrenal glands produce sex hormones for both men and women. After menopause, the adrenal glands become the only source of estrogen production for women.