Secreting Hormones: A Look at the Adrenal Glands - Essay Sample

Introduction

The adrenal glands are a part of the endocrine system, which refers to a network of glands known as the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones that regulate most of the bodily functions, which includes metabolism and growth. The adrenal glands sit on top of kidneys and are made of two parts: the adrenal medulla and cortex as shown in figure 1 below (Sargis, 2019).

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Figure 1: The adrenal glands hormones

Source: (Bhutta, n.d.)

The adrenal medulla produces nonessential hormones. The gland produces a hormone which reacts to stress known as adrenaline which causes an increase in the heart rate and brain speed, widens pupils, relaxes airway muscles, and redirects an individual's blood towards the muscles in response to threat (Murell, 2018). On the other hand, the adrenal cortex produces secretions necessary to existence, such as aldosterone which helps in regulating blood pressure and cortisol as a response to stressors (Sargis, 2019). Stimulation of cortisol results in hypothalamic secretion resulting in the production of 3-endorphin and 8-lipotropin which increases sugars and increases tissue repairing substances. The adrenal gland may be unable to produce enough cortisol resulting in Addison's disease, or it may make too much of the hormone, resulting in Cushing's disease. Therefore, the adrenal glands serve an essential part in regulating hormones, although its deviation from the normal amount may result in the disruption of important bodily functions and other disorders.

Unbalanced Cortisol Response to Stress

An unbalanced cortisol results in complications in the body when the individual is under stress. On the one hand, individuals with Addison's disease face depression and mood disorders which will significantly increase when the individual is under stress (Findling, 2011). These complications may over time cause serious threats such as high blood pressure, stroke, and even death. Similarly, Addison's disease also increases depression and other behavioral symptoms which may be complicated by other symptoms such as confusion, fainting, and deliriums which may result in more fatal behavioral disorders.

Depression Relation to Adrenal Glands Disorders

The adrenal grand's hormone regulates stress in the body and any variation due to either Addison or cortisol disorders results in acute depression. Depression is a serious medical condition that causes feelings of depressed mood sadness and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed by the individual among other symptoms. It affects about 16.6% of the population, with most of the sufferers comprising of women (Parekh, 2017). Depression decreases an individual's ability to function at home and work, resulting in emotional and physical problems.

Short- and Long- Term Health Effect of Depression

Depression causes several mental and physical symptoms and complications which include sleeplessness, weight loss or gain, physical agitation, thoughts of suicide, concentration problems, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness (MacGill, 2017). If left untreated, it may result in chronic pain, heart disease, inflammation, sexual health problems, gastrointestinal complications, and short- and long-term mortality (MacGill, 2017; Dijk et al., 2012). Therefore, depression is a serious illness if left untreated.

Prevention and Treatment of Depression

Treatment of Depression is multifaceted. It requires the individual to take cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to deal with the symptoms and seek support from their family and friends which range from contributing stressors to practical solutions to the problem (MacGill, 2017). Similarly, the individual needs to take antidepressants to suppress the condition and any other medical treatment aimed at containing complications resulting in depression such as adrenal gland disorders.

Maintaining a Healthy Endocrine System

The endocrine system can be maintained by watching an individual's diet, exercising, including iodine in a person's diet, and informing doctors on hormones intake to avoid any complications. These preventive measures help in preventing complications which could have otherwise been instrumental in creating an endocrine problem.

Conclusion

The adrenal system's function is essential to individuals as it regulates and maintains significant internal processes, ranging from fight-or-flight response to metabolism. Its ability to release hormones to counter stress is essential for human survival. Therefore, the adrenal system is significant in maintaining healthy cells, organs, and bodily function.

References

Bhutta, R. A. (n.d.). Adrenal glands hormones and interpretation, blood sample and precautions. Retrieved from http://www.labpedia.net/test/387.

Findling, J. (2011). Cushings Disease. Retrieved from https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/cushings-disease.

MacGill, M. (2017). What is depression and what can I do about it? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/depression-causes-symptoms-treatments-8933.

Murell, D. (2018). What happens when you get an adrenaline rush? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322490.php.

Parekh, R. (2017). What Is Depression? Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression.

Sargis, R. M. (2019). An overview of the adrenal glands: Beyond fight or flight. Retrieved from https://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands.

Dijk, S., Beukel, T. O., Dekker, F. W., Cessie, S., Kaptein, A. A., Honig, A., ... & NECOSAD Study Group. (2012). Short-term versus long-term effects of depressive symptoms on mortality in patients on dialysis. Psychosomatic medicine, 74(8), 854-860.