The adrenal glands are two small glands located on top of the kidneys.
Certain medical disorders cause the adrenal glands to produce too much or too little of these hormones.
Neither the Endocrinology Society nor any other medical specialties recognize adrenal fatigue as an official medical diagnosis.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
If you suspect adrenal fatigue and have similar symptoms, visit your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
The two major parts of the adrenal gland are the cortex and the medulla.
The gland is surrounded by an adipose (fatty) capsule, which acts as a protective barrier.
Adrenal Cortex
The cortex is the outer layer and is the largest part of the adrenal gland.
The major hormones in this category are adrenaline (also known asepinephrine) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
Typically, each adrenal gland is supplied by three arteries.
However, research has found that variations in the number of arteries supplying the adrenal glands are fairly common.
Variations of adrenal veins appear to be relatively common.
This can have significance during surgery.
Normally, one central vein drains each adrenal gland, yet there are many variations.
This interaction is often referred to as thehypothalamicpituitaryadrenal axis(HPA axis).
ACTH is what stimulates the adrenal glands to make and release cortisol into the bloodstream.
Certain medical disorders cause the adrenal glands to produce too much or too little of these hormones.
Examples include Addisons disease, Cushings syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Testing to assess adrenal function is typically through blood and/or urine samples.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Adrenal Gland Disorders.
Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Medical School.Is adrenal fatigue “real”?
UCLA Health.Adrenocortical Tumors and Cancer.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Adrenal glands.
2014;27(8):1253-1263. doi:10.1002/ca.22374
