This process is called the hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The adrenal glands then detect this and produce cortisol. 'ACTH is made in the pituitary gland – it is needed for your adrenal glands to work properly and help your body react to stress' 'a process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell, gland, or organ for a particular function in the organism or for excretion' , a small gland at the base of the brain, which then stimulates the secretion 'the main element that drives the body’s response to stress' The hypothalamus sends corticotrophin-releasing hormone The whole process starts with the hypothalamus, which is in the brain. 'a hormone which is released by the adrenal medulla, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, and by the sympathetic nerves and functions as a neurotransmitter' 'a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that increases rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and prepares muscles for exertion' 'any natural or synthetic steroid hormone that regulates the development and maintenance of male characteristics'Īnd the medulla (the centre) which produces the stress hormones adrenaline ”or dehydroepiandrosterone - a hormone produced by the body's adrenal glands' 'a corticosteroid hormone which stimulates absorption of sodium by the kidneys and so regulates water and salt balance' It also has a very important role in helping the body respond to stress' 'a steroid hormone that regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and have two areas – the cortex (the outer layer) which is responsible for producing cortisol 1 What part do the adrenal glands play in the body? It can affect people of any sex or age although it is most common between the ages of 30 and 50 and, as in thyroid disease, it is more common in women than men.

(hormonal) disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of their hormones.

'relating to glands which secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood'

(also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism) is an endocrine

The adrenal gland is damaged so it does not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone '

Adrenal gland disorders symptoms