The adrenal glands are a pair of small organs located just above the kidney. These glands contain two types of tissue. The adrenal cortex produces hormones that affect water balance and metabolism in the body. The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline (also called epinepherine and norepinepherine).

Release of some of these hormones is stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is produced in the pituitary gland. ACTH levels rise in response to stress, emotions, injury, infection, burns, surgery, and decreased blood pressure. ACTH causes the release of the hormones hydrocortisone (cortisol), aldosterone, and androgen.

If the body produces too much or too little of the adrenal hormones, it could be an indication of a disease. Cushing's syndrome is caused by an abnormally high level of hydrocortisone. The high level may be the result of an adrenal gland tumor; enlargement of both adrenal glands due to a...