The Adrenal Glands
The adrenals, situated one atop each kidney, secrete a number of hormones,
including those associated with the stress response. Some of the most important
are:
- Adrenalin
Secreted within seconds or minutes of a stressful event, adrenalin causes
responses collectively known as "fight or flight" - preparing the body for
action. For example the heart rate increases, and blood sugar increases.
- Cortisol
Also secreted in response to stress, cortisol has similar effects to adrenalin
but it can stay in the system for much longer - up to several hours. Cortisol
helps you recover from stress - but if excessive levels are present it can start
causing harm.
- DHEA
The most abundant hormone in the body, DHEA has many functions. High levels are
associated with energy and psychological well-being. Levels drop markedly as we
grow older so it has been linked to aging.
As with other glands, the adrenals are controlled by the brain.
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal function is often found to be imbalanced in many cases of chronic
fatigue. This change can be the result of prolonged stress, or an infection.
Therapy involves supporting the adrenals.