In brief
Two small glands above the kidneys. They make cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline, and help regulate stress, blood pressure and metabolism.
- Adrenal fatigue is not a recognised medical condition, according to healthdirect.
- An adrenal crisis, when the symptoms of Addison's disease rapidly get worse, can be fatal if it is not treated quickly. Call triple zero (000).
- Addison's disease is treated by replacing the missing hormones, usually for life.
How it works
Cortisol affects many body functions. It regulates blood glucose and reduces inflammation, and its level follows a daily pattern, rising in the early morning. Stress raises cortisol, and a hormone called ACTH tells the adrenal glands to produce it.
True adrenal disease is rare. In Addison's disease the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and aldosterone. In Cushing's syndrome the body is exposed to too much cortisol, which can be caused by a tumour or by taking high doses of steroid medicines for a long time. Both are diagnosed with blood, urine or saliva tests that measure cortisol.
Connections
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Adrenal glands is part of
The adrenal glands make adrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone, and help regulate stress, blood pressure and metabolism.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Endocrine glands and their hormones
Adrenal glands makes
Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys.
Adrenal glands is linked with
Adrenal insufficiency is a recognised medical condition, but it is not the same as adrenal fatigue.
Lab tests
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect and Pathology Tests Explained. Sources read on 13 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.