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.
[…] on subjects Dr Melanie DesChatelets ND discusses on her naturopathic blog. For more articles on the adrenals look at it here. No related posts. Tweet Send to Friend Share adrenal fatigue, adrenal […]