Adrenal Glands, Little One with Big Function

Have you ever heard of the adrenal gland? The adrenal gland is a small gland that plays a role in producing several types of hormones in the body. Although small, the adrenal gland has a very large function for the body. For that, know more about the function of the following adrenal glands. Basically, everyone has two adrenal glands. These two glands are located above the kidney and are about half the size of the thumb. Although small in size, the adrenal glands play an important role in producing hormones and supporting various functions in the body. Thus, interference with this gland will have a large impact on the body.

Function of the Adrenal Gland

The adrenal gland consists of two main parts, namely the adrenal cortex (outer) and the adrenal medulla (inner). The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing three types of hormones, namely aldosterone which regulates electrolytes in the body and blood pressure, cortisol which controls blood sugar levels and metabolism, and gonadocorticoids which regulate sex hormones. If the adrenal cortex stops functioning, the metabolic processes in the body will stop and cause disease. Meanwhile, the adrenal medulla plays a role in the release of the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradenalin) during stress. Both of these hormones have similar functions, which are tasked with increasing blood flow to muscles, stimulating the heart to beat faster, preparing the body for emergencies, triggering the release of blood sugar, increasing alertness of the mind and sending signals between nerve cells in the brain. Meanwhile, the clinical hormone norepinephrine is usually used to increase blood flow and pressure when blood pressure in the body is far below normal (shock). If the hormones produced by the adrenal glands are too much or too little, the body can become sick. Impaired adrenal gland function can be influenced by various factors, such as genetic disorders, immune system disorders, infections, tumors, and bleeding.

Some Adrenal Gland Diseases

There are several diseases that can affect the function of the adrenal glands, namely:

• Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body has the excess hormone cortisol for a long time. This condition is commonly experienced by women and those aged 25-40 years. Symptoms arising from Cushing's syndrome include weight gain, facial swelling and redness, breakouts, very tired body, weakened muscles, and increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels. When attacking children, Cushing's syndrome can cause obesity and stunted growth.

• Addison's disease

Addison's disease can occur when the adrenal gland is damaged, thus making the body lack the hormone cortisol. Women and people aged 30-50 years are susceptible to this disease. Addison's disease causes symptoms in the form of body feeling tired, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, bad mood, feeling often thirsty, dizzy, fainting, cramps, lips or gums become blackish.

• Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a benign tumor that develops in the adrenal gland. Usually this condition can affect one or both adrenal glands. Pheochromocytoma can occur in all age groups, but is most experienced at the age of 20-50 years. Symptoms arising from this condition include headaches, tremors, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and high blood pressure.

• Congenital adrenal hypoplasia

Is a congenital disease due to genetic disorders that cause the adrenal glands do not function properly, thus affecting the hormones produced. This disease affects more men, and symptoms can arise from birth. But some cases, only detected when the sufferer is older. In infants, this condition can cause electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and abnormalities in the sexual organs.

You can maintain the health of the adrenal glands by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating vegetables and fruits, reducing sugar and caffeine consumption, reducing stress, and avoiding junk food consumption. Not only large body organs that must be maintained, the small adrenal gland also has a role that is not small for the body. If there are complaints related to adrenal gland disorders, you are advised to consult a doctor.