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Adrenal Glands & Adrenal Fatigue: Everything You Need To Know
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There’s a lot of hype about human-like robotics these days, and yes, it’s amazing how the field has advanced in recent years. But the fact is that it will be a very long time before there are any robots that are nearly as complex as our own bodies. Today we will discuss one of the most important parts of the human body: the adrenal glands. We’ll cover what they are, how they fit into the larger functions of the body, and what the deal is with conditions like “adrenal fatigue” which have become more commonly diagnosed in recent years.
Adrenal Glands Explained
Everyone has two adrenal glands, which measure about 2 inches long and are located just above the kidneys. These glands play some very important roles in regulating hormone levels and other functions, but they don’t work alone. They’re components of a larger system of glands in the body called the endocrine system.
The adrenal glands work in tandem with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain to form what is called the “HPA axis.” Together, they work to maintain homeostasis in the body, which essentially means keeping all the organs and critical systems and functions of the body working normally. The HPA axis helps to regulate blood pressure, body temperature and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, as well as other hormones like cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” Finally, the adrenal glands trigger the production of adrenaline, which plays a critical role in the fight-or-flight response, among other things. Other endocrine system components that the adrenal glands work with include the thyroid gland, the testicles in males, the ovaries in females, the pancreas and the parathyroid glands.
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