Healthy adrenal
Adrenal Medulla
The Adrenal Medulla is the inner part of the Adrenal Gland. During the sympathetic fight or flight response, it produces hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine, which help our body respond to stress, increase heart rate, and raise blood pressure.
Adrenal Cortex
The Adrenal Cortex is the outer part of the Adrenal Gland. It produces important hormones like cortisol, which helps our body manage stress, and aldosterone, which helps regulate blood pressure and balance salt and water in our body.
Adrenal Gland
The Adrenal Gland is a small, triangular-shaped organ that sits on top of each kidney. It has two parts, the Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal Medulla, and produces important hormones that help our body respond to stress and maintain blood pressure.
Diseased adrenal
DBH Deficiency
DBH Deficiency is a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot produce enough of an enzyme called dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). This enzyme is needed to make epinephrine and norepinephrine, and a deficiency can cause problems with blood pressure regulation and other symptoms.
Cushing Syndrome
Cushing Syndrome is a condition that occurs when our body is exposed to too much cortisol, a hormone produced by the Adrenal Cortex. This can cause weight gain, a round face, and thinning of the skin, among other symptoms.
Addison Disease
Addison Disease is a rare disorder where the Adrenal Glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. This can cause weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin.
adrenal Treatment
DBH Deficiency -> Adrenal Medulla
Droxidopa treats DBH Deficiency by helping the body make more norepinephrine, a hormone that is usually low in people with this condition. This can help improve blood pressure regulation and reduce other symptoms related to the deficiency.
Cushing Syndrome -> Adrenal Cortex
Mifepristone treats Cushing Syndrome by blocking the glucocorticoid receptor and thus the effects of cortisol in the body. This can help reduce the symptoms of the condition, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels.
Addison Disease -> Adrenal Gland
Hydrocortisone treats Addison Disease by activating the glucocorticoid receptor; replacing the cortisol that the body cannot produce on its own. This medication helps maintain normal hormone levels and can improve symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
