The adrenal glands are small but very powerful glands that sit atop each of your kidneys located in the middle of your back. They are really two separate organs combined into one location - the outer portion acalled the adrenal cortex and the inner portion called the adrenal medulla. The focus of this text is on the adrenal cortex. The cortex serves primarily a hormonal function - among the main functions of the adrenal cortex are the regulation of the mineral metabolism (sodium, potassium, chloride), water balance, metabolism (utilization and distribution of carbohydrates, protein, and fat), allergic and immune reactions (such as hypersensitivity, allergies, and autoimmune diseases), and production of the male and female hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estrogens, DHEA, etc.).

Why Physicians Wont Prescribe This Safe, Inexpensive Hormone One of the most common (but often undiagnosed) causes of a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms, is that of under active thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. Dr. Broda Barnes, a brilliant, intuitive physician and scientist, estimated that 40% of the adult population suffers from this condition. Hypothyroidism - A Clinical Picture Some of the most common symptoms caused by hypothyroidism include poor concentration, mental confusion, memory disturbances, cold hands and feet, overweight, difficult weight loss, menstrual problems, dry skin, thin hair, and low energy levels. Other symptoms include migraine headaches, hypertension, depression, hypoglycemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, infertility, and even acne. In his book, Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, Dr. Barnes described over 47 symptoms that may be related to poor thyroid function.