Hormone Health
Adrenal Glands and Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
by Karan
Y. Baucom, MD, FACOG, FAAAM
August 25, 2008
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are two triangular orange-colored glands that
are positioned one on top of each kidney. The glands are absolutely
vital for our existence.
There are two parts of the adrenal gland:
1) The outside or shell cortical layer (like an M&M candy)
has three layers. Each layer secretes different hormones directly
into the bloodstream to take care of:
• blood sugar regulation
• electrolytes (NA+, K+); and
• cortisol or steroids for stress
2) The inside of each gland (chocolate part of M&M), or the
adrenal medulla, secretes the neurotransmitter noradrenaline (also
called norephinephrine) and epinephrine (also called adrenaline).
Adrenaline causes excitement and stimulation of the circulation
and muscular action. Noradrenalin has little effect on muscles and
cardiac output, but increases blood pressure resulting from vasconstriction.
The adrenal glands are vital for our immune system, as well as our
overall hormone health. Click here
to read more about the adrenals.
Cortisol
Cortisol is one of several hormones released by the powerful adrenal
glands. It is released as a “stress hormone” and is
vital to the feeling of well-being. Longevity and quality of life
are severely compromised when this powerful hormone is barely available.
Cortisol:
- controls blood sugar
- stimulates fat and protein mobilization
- prevents inflammation
- stimulates the liver to convert fat to
sugar & store it
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The pituitary gland activates the adrenal gland by secreting ACTH
(adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH stimulates the “cortical”
layer of the gland to make cortisol.
Cortisol has a distinct bio-rhythm. It is high in the morning and
by the evening is lower. Stress alters the rhythm and may eventually
cause the gland to become exhausted. “Adrenal Fatigue, The
Twenty-First Century Syndrome”, a book by James Wilson, ND
PhD is an excellent book explaining why and how cortisol
depletion can result in severe exhaustion. Unfortunately, this hormone
is not understood by most physicians. It is a test rarely ordered
and a syndrome basically ignored.
Stress factors
- anger
- fear
- death of family member
- divorce
- marriage
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- financial worries
- job
- relationships
- personal illness
- in-laws
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These are just a few of the factors that are viewed as
stress. These issues, if chronic and severe, can totally deplete
this vital hormone.
Patients will rely on sugar and caffeine to “boost”
their energy because they are unaware as to the real reason for
their chronic fatigue.
Eventually the immune system falters. Lupus, Crohn’s, colitis,
chronic sinus and infections plague the individual. Abdominal obesity
(cortisol paunch) along with decreased HDL cholesterol, increased
triglycerides and increased blood pressure herald the demise of
this vital hormone.
There is acute adrenal fatigue, mild
and high adrenal fatigue. Saliva testing of the
morning, noon, evening, and night cortisol levels is the best way
to determine the level of fatigue. Good treatment involves herbal
support, and in severe cases Cortef or actual cortisol is prescribed.
The adrenals are needed for survival. When the adrenal glands are
compromised, all other glands suffer as well. Thyroid inactivity
and severe adrenal stress go hand in hand. Low blood pressure as
well as low blood sugar may be the only symptoms. The thyroid gland,
in trying to pick up the slack, will in time become hypo active
itself, further compounding the clinical situation.
Even with adequate treatment, recovery from adrenal stress
can take up to a year of treatment to resolve.
REFERENCES:
Wilson, James R., PhD, DC, ND. Adrenal Fatigue: the 21st Century
Syndrome, Jan 25/02, ISBN - 10:1890572152 and ISBN - 13:9781890572150
For more information visit the website of
Karan
Y. Baucom, MD, FACOG, FAAAM
Fellow American College of OB-Gyn
Fellow American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
other articles by Dr. Baucom:
The
Thyroid Paradox
Male Andropause

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