How Does the Adrenal Gland Regulate Stress?

The adrenal glands are comprised of two parts: the outer adrenal cortex and the inner adrenal medulla. Each of the two parts of the adrenal gland provides different hormones to the body.  Both the adrenal medulla and outer cortex produce hormones that regulate and help our bodies compensate for stress. This compensation is known as the “fight or flight” reflex.

Fight or Flight

The fight or flight response comes from a primal instinct and is influenced by the hormones which are created by the adrenal glands. This fight or flight response prepares your body to deal with the stress you are facing in one of two ways:

• Fight. In case of the fight response the adrenal glands secrete hormones, which boost the immune system in the event of some sort of injury. They also promote an emotional response, such as fear.


• Flight. In this situation the adrenals prepare the body to leave the situation. This includes increasing blood flow to major muscles, and raising blood sugar for energy.

All of these responses are controlled by the hormones, which are secreted by the adrenal glands.

Adrenal Steroidal hormones

The adrenal cortex produces adrenal steroids, which include hydrocortisone and corticosterone. These are the hormones that regulate the body’s response to stress and trigger the fight or flight response. Hydrocortisone determines how the body stores its fat. In times of stress this steroid may trigger the body to store more fat in the event of a needed emergency source of energy. Corticosterone helps to prepare the body for any physical injury, which may be incurred during a stressful situation. Hydrocortisone also helps reduce inflammation from any injuries.

Adrenal Medullary Hormones

Hormones produced in the adrenal medulla include epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. In the fight or flight response epinephrine increases the heart rate, which increases blood flow to the muscles for maximum efficiency. Glucagon is converted to glucose, which raises energy levels. Norepinephrine plays a part in increasing blood pressure. This increase of norepinephrine in the system, along with the raise blood pressure, causes feelings of fear, anxiety and increased arousal.