All have weak effects, but play a role in early development of the male sex organs in childhood, and are important for the normal onset of female body hair following puberty.Īdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily affects the release of glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens by the adrenal gland and, to a much lesser extent, also stimulates aldosterone release.

Adrenal androgens: these male sex hormones, mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, are present in both men and women. Cortisol also has anti-inflammatory effects especially at higher amounts.ģ. Cortisol stimulates glucose production to help maintain blood glucose levels. Cortisol is released during the ‘stress response’ to illness. This hormone is involved in the response to illness and also helps to regulate body metabolism.

Glucocorticoids: predominantly cortisol, which is also known as the body’s ‘natural steroid’. In summary, if we do not have enough salt in the body, aldosterone production is ‘switched on’ and the kidney retains salt, but if we have too much salt, the amount of aldosterone being made is reduced and the kidney can excrete the excess salt.Ģ. Without aldosterone (for example if the adrenal glands are not working properly), the kidney loses excessive amounts of salt (sodium) and, consequently, water, leading to severe dehydration and low blood pressure. However, too much aldosterone can cause high blood pressure ( hypertension) and low potassium. This action is important if the body has low salt and water levels, that could risk a low blood pressure. It acts in the kidney to cause sodium and water to be retained, and potassium to be lost. Aldosterone helps the kidney conserve salt when it is needed. This hormone helps to maintain the body’s salt and water balance, which is important for maintaining blood pressure. Mineralocorticoids: the most important of which is aldosterone. The adrenal cortex produces three hormones, from three different layers:ġ. What hormones do my adrenal glands produce? All adreno-cortical hormones (ie hormones produced by the adrenal cortex) are steroid compounds made from cholesterol. These hormones travel via the bloodstream and act on various other body tissues. The adrenal glands secrete different hormones which act as 'chemical messengers'. Click to enlarge What do my adrenal glands do?Įach adrenal gland is composed of two distinct parts: the outer part called the ‘adrenal cortex’ and the inner part called the ‘adrenal medulla’.

Medulla of adrenal gland secretes