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Audesirk, T., Audesirk, G., & Byers, B.Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009.

Adrenal Cancer – Cancer of the adrenal glands can lead to excess production of a variety of hormones, and the cancer may quickly spread to other areas of the body.Addison’s Disease – The failure of the adrenal glands to produce enough cortisol.Adrenal Gland DisordersĬonditions associated with the adrenal glands can cause a variety of serious physical ailments. People may also experience chronic anxiety, high blood pressure, and other health problems. When the body constantly produces cortisol in response to stress, however, systemic illness may occur.

When produced in small quantities in response to stress, cortisol can help the body maintain health and homeostasis. Long-term stress can cause prolonged activation of the fight or flight phenomenon, leading to chronic stress, mental health problems, and physical ailments.Ĭortisol in particular is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to chronic stress. During times of immense stress, these glands release adrenaline. The fight or flight phenomenon, in which a person’s body rapidly prepares them to fight or flee a threatening situation, is controlled largely by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands also release androgens (sex hormones) that play a role in the development of male sexual characteristics and can be converted into estrogen in females. The adrenal glands primarily release hormones related to stress and anxiety, including epinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol. Hormones are chemicals that carry signals from one area of the body to another. The adrenal glands, like all endocrine glands, secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The two glands are located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands-also referred to as the suprarenal glands-are a part of the endocrine system.