These hormones are converted elsewhere in the body to female hormones (estrogens) and male hormones (androgens). Aldosterone is regulated by complex feedback mechanisms involving sodium and potassium levels as well as blood volume.Īndrogen hormones. It also helps maintain blood volume and blood pressure. This hormone acts in the kidney to regulate the level of sodium and potassium in the body. Cortisol is needed to maintain blood pressure in times of stress.Īldosterone. It suppresses inflammatory reactions in the body and also affects the immune system.

This hormone helps control the body's use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The hormones made by the adrenal cortex include:Ĭortisol. The adrenal cortex secretes hormones into the bloodstream. The hormones also affect chemicals in the blood, and certain body characteristics. The adrenal cortex secretes hormones that have an effect on the body's metabolism. If there is too much or too little cortisol, these glands change the amount of CRH and ACTH they release. The ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to make and release corticosteroid hormones into the blood.īoth the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland can sense whether the blood has the right amount of cortisol (a hormone) in it. This stimulates the pituitary gland to make adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). The hypothalamus makes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). For example, for the adrenal gland to make corticosteroid hormones:

Function of the adrenal glandsĪdrenal glands interact with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The inner region is called the adrenal medulla. The outer region is called the adrenal cortex. The Adrenal Glands Anatomy of the adrenal glandsĪdrenal glands are small, triangular glands that sit on top of each kidney.

Adrenal cortical function