Adrenal cortex

Looks like

The yellow outer layer of each adrenal gland, the small cap on top of each kidney.

What it does

Makes cortisol, aldosterone and some sex hormones.

Keeping it well

Stopping long-term steroid tablets suddenly can cause adrenal crisis; vomiting, faintness and low blood pressure on or after steroids is an emergency.

Related conditions

• Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's)
• Burnout
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Cushing's syndrome
• Hyperthyroidism & Graves' disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Menopause & perimenopause
• Neuroblastoma
• Phaeochromocytoma & hyperaldosteronism
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Postnatal depression
• Type 1 diabetes