About The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys and are also known as suprarenal glands.

They produce a variety of hormones that are involved in:

• metabolism
• stress response
• immune function
• blood pressure
• electrolyte balance

The adrenal glands produce hormones including:

• adrenaline
• aldosterone
• cortisol[1]

The adrenal glands are controlled by the pituitary gland.

Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

The adrenal glands can suffer a number of endocrine disorders.

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by overproduction of cortisol.

Addison's disease is associated with insufficient cortisol output.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic disease involving dysregulation of endocrine control mechanisms.

A variety of tumors can arise from adrenal tissue. [1]

A subclinical phenomenon called Adrenal Fatigue can occur when an individual is under chronic stress. In this situation the adrenal glands first begin to produce more cortisol to help the individual face the stress, followed by low cortisol output when the stress continues and the adrenal glands begin to weaken or “burn out”.

Signs & Symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction

High cortisol can produce the following symptoms:

• weight gain, mostly around the midsection and upper back
• weight gain and rounding of the face
• acne
• thinning skin
• easy bruising
• flushed face
• slowed healing
• muscle weakness
• severe fatigue
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• high blood pressure
• headache[2]

Low cortisol can produce the following main symptoms:

• chronic, or long-lasting, fatigue
  
• muscle weakness
  
• loss of appetite
  
• weight loss
  
• abdominal pain[3]
  

Other symptoms of low cortisol include:

• nausea
  
• vomiting
  
• diarrhea
  
• low blood pressure that drops further when you stand up, causing dizziness or fainting
  
• irritability and depression
  
• joint pain
  
• craving salty foods
  
• hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose
  
• irregular or no menstrual periods
  
• loss of interest in sex[3]
  

High aldosterone is characterized by:

• high blood pressure (including headaches, dizziness, vision problems, chest pain, shortness of breath)
  
• hypokalemia, or low blood potassium (including fatigue, muscle cramps, increased thirst, increased urination, muscle weakness, and palpitations)[4]

Low aldosterone can produce the following signs and symptoms:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)[5]

High levels of adrenaline can cause:

• rapid heart rate
• sweating
• heightened senses
• rapid breathing
• decreased ability to feel pain
• increased strength and performance
• dilated pupils
• feeling jittery or nervous[6]

Spiritual & Emotional Causes of Adrenal Struggles

Spiritually & emotionally, the adrenal glands are all about fear and self care.

The adrenals are designed to help us escape from dangerous situations that cause fear. However, when we are constantly in fear, our adrenals stay activated and can become exhausted.

Learn to distinguish the difference between real threats and imagined or remembered one. This can make a huge difference in how often your adrenal glands become activated and how long they stay on alert.

Also be aware that when you retell the story of a situation in which you felt fearful or stressed, and you are feeling those same emotions, you recreate the same stress response as if it were happening in the moment, effectively prolonging the stress.

Remember that sometimes, when there has been real trauma from a real danger, this stress response can become “locked” in the body, and the adrenal glands become overactive even after the original stressor is gone. This usually requires psychotherapy, somatic healing techniques, nervous system regulation or other healing techniques to resolve, but it can be greatly improved.

The adrenal glands are also about self care.

Self care sends messages of safety to our body and nervous system, allowing them to relax.

Remember that you have physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. Which of these areas might you be neglecting?

If it is difficult for you to recognize or prioritize your own needs, you may benefit from psychotherapy, counseling, self love work or inner child work.

In any case, remember that your endocrine and nervous system are plastic, meaning they can be reprogrammed, and that takes time.

Be gentle with yourself and keep going and with consistency and good self care, you'll soon be feeling much more relaxed and happy.