Adrenocortical hormones are produced by the cortex (the outer region) of the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. They include two types of hormones called steroids, the corticosteroids and androgens. Corticosteroids regulate metabolic processes (for example the levels of blood sugar), help fight infections and regulate the reaction to stress. Androgens are sex hormones such as testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which are produced in the adrenal glands in small amounts. They are also produced in the ovaries in women and the testicles in men, in much higher amounts.
Sources:
- Hopkins Medicine: Adrenal Glands. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adrenal-glands (accessed 20. July 2020)
- Endocrine Web: An Overview of the Adrenal Glands: https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands (accessed 20. July 2020)
- Nieman L.K. Adrenal insuffieciency (Addison’s disease), UpToDate: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease-beyond-the-basics (accessed 20. July 2020)
