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The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can’t live without, including sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol helps you respond to stress and has many other important functions. The adrenal glands also produce a variety of hormones including androgens, adrenaline, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and aldosterone. Each adrenal gland is composed of two distinct parts: the outer part called the adrenal cortex and the inner adrenal medulla. The adrenal glands secrete different hormones which act as ‘chemical messengers’. These hormones travel in the bloodstream and act on various body tissues to enable them to function correctly. The adrenal cortex produces three hormones: Mineralocorticoids: the most important of which is aldosterone. This hormone helps to maintain the body’s salt and water levels which, in turn, regulates blood pressure. Without aldosterone, the kidney loses excessive amounts of salt (sodium) and, consequently, water, leading to severe dehydration. Glucocorticoids: predominantly cortisol. This hormone is involved in the stress response and also helps to regulate body metabolism. Cortisol stimulates glucose production by mobilizing amino acids and free fatty acids. Cortisol also has significant anti-inflammatory effects. Adrenal androgens: Sex hormones mainly dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. The adrenal medulla portion of the adrenals produces catecholamines: Catecholamines include adrenaline, noradrenaline and small amounts of dopamine – these hormones are responsible for all the physiological characteristics of the stress response, the so called ‘fight or flight’ response. Adrenal stress can result in thinning and bruising of the skin, obesity, diabetes, psychiatric disturbances, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, excessive facial hair and irregular periods in women. Excess cortisol can also be related to impaired wound healing and an increased susceptibility to infection. After long periods of stress, the adrenals can become fatigued and can result in low blood pressure, fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, nausea, chronic pain syndromes, salt craving and low blood sugar.

In men a very common finding is low testosterone. Testosterone is mostly secreted from the gonads and affects muscle mass, sex drive, stamina, and recovery. Low levels of testosterone have been connected to erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, troubles with concentration and memory, decrease since of wellbeing and depression.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It makes thyroid hormone, which is carried throughout your body in the bloodstream and affects every cell, tissue, organ, gland and hormones in the human body. So needless to say, a thyroid problem results in an entire body problem. Thyroid hormone controls metabolic activities, including how fast someone burns calories and heart rate. Common symptoms of low thyroid function are, weight gain despite healthy diet and exercise, being tired, poor sleep, depression, mood swings, brain fog, and lack of motivation. Other common symptoms are poor digestion or constipation, sinus or allergy problems, heavy menstrual periods, headaches/migraines, low body temperature, decreased libido, heart palpitations, blood sugar spikes, aches/pains, and even thinning hair, dry skin and brittle nails.