!Adrenal Gland - Cortex
!!Anatomy
The adrenals are ((Endocrine - System Overview|endocrine glands)) situated on the top the ((Urinary - System Overview|kidneys)). Together with the kidney, each one is covered in a fatty capsule and the renal fascia. These glands consist of two parts: the adrenal cortex and the ((Endocrine - Adrenal Gland - Medulla|adrenal medulla)).

The adrenal cortex is derived from the mesoderm and consists of 3 layers with different functions:
*The __outer zone__ produces the "thirst hormone" __aldosterone__, which regulates the electrolyte concentration in the ((Circulatory - Blood|blood)).
*The __intermediate zone__ is stimulated by adrenocorticotrope hormone (ACTH) from the ((Endocrine - Pituitary Gland - Anterior Lobe|pituitary)) to secrete mainly __cortisol__, but also __ouabain__ that strengthens the ((Circulatory - Myocardium - Ventricles|cardiac muscle)).
*The __inner zone__ produces dehydroepiandrosterone (__DHEA__) which is a precursor of the sex hormones.
Cortisol and DHEA are __counterparts in stress__:
Cortisol makes energy available by inducing catabolic processes dissolving fat and stimulating synthesis of glucose. It thereby inhibits the regeneration of tissue, which is why it can suppress symptoms from the regeneration phase like inflammation and immune reactions.

By slowing down the energy transformation in the mitochondria (the "power plants" of the cells), DHEA counteracts the waste of energy, creation of free radicals, and ageing of tissues. It also inhibits fat storage, and nourishes nerve cells.

Contrary to the ((Endocrine - Adrenal Gland - Medulla|adrenal medulla)) that is steered directly by the autonomous nervous system, the adrenal cortex is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones secreted by the ((Endocrine - Pituitary Gland - Anterior Lobe|pituitary gland)) and hypothalamus as well as by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renin%E2%80%93angiotensin_system|renin-angiotensin] system.

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!!Brain
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!!!Relay:
__Cerebral Medulla__ ( - / + ) central left & right
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!!Mind
!!!Theme:
Orientation, intuition

!!!Emotions and Thoughts:
__Energylessness__, lack of motivation, confusion, dissatisfaction, internal conflict
*This is not what I had in mind!
*I feel this is wrong.
*Why am I doing this?
*I can't get myself to doing this.
*I have lost myself.
*What is my true path?
!!!META-Meaning:
*Now I stop and find myself again.
*My heart shows the way.
*Now I recognize my true goal.
*Now, I allow myself to re-evaluate my path and to follow my energy.
!!Organ
!!!Stress Phase Symptoms:
Reduction of production of corticosteroid hormones and tissue degradation in the adrenal cortex cause imbalances in energy management Typical symptoms are difficulty to wake and get up in the morning, __stressed fatigue__, energylessness, overall weakness (__asthenia__), low blood pressure, low appetite but __salt craving__. From those derive indigestion, vertigo and fainting. By reduction of androgen production, loss of libido and signs of ageing are possible.
Adrenal insufficiency can be accompanied by hyperpigmentation (__bronze colouring__) of skin and mucosae.

__Possible diagnoses__: Adrenal Fatigue, Adrenal insufficiency, Morbus Addison.
The adrenal cortex can be involved in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Burnout or Bore-Out Syndromes.

!!!Regeneration Phase Symptoms:
Normalization of hormone production, tissue restoration and possibly hyperplasia and overfunction of hormone production.
Especially with activated ((Urinary - Kidneys - Collecting Tubules|water retention)), __cysts__ can form in the adrenal cortex that later solidify and secrete hormone.
The physiological reaction is a __surge of energy__, accompanied by high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. Often much __thirst__. Later, this state leads to obesity, diabetes, and the catabolic effect of cortisol causes __weakness in structural tissues__, like stretch marks (striae), muscle dystrophy and osteoporosis.
__Possible diagnoses__: hyperadrenocorticism, Cushing Syndrome, Conn-Syndrome, adrenocortical carcinoma
By overproduction of androgen, motivation and decisiveness are reestablished. Later this can lead to __virilization__ (women develop masculine hair growth, acne, enlarged clitoris), to reduced fertility and depression. 

__Possible diagnoses__: Adrenogenital Syndrome (AGS), hirsutism

!!!Biological Meaning:
During and after the regeneration phase the individual acceses more energy and decisiveness to find and follow their own way. Ouabain (g-strophanthin) strengthens the cardiac muscle.

!!Social
!!!Examples:
*Since moving to another town and quitting her job to follow her boyfriend, a woman felt drained of energy and always sleepy. First when she found a new purpose in life and felt integrated in the community, she got her vitality back.

*An elderly lady suffered from pain and depression after her husband died. She leaves the home they built together but doesn´t find peace and alignment for years, leading to fatigue. After a moment of insight, she lets the memories go and follows her heart, finding an abundance of energy in dancing and sharing with others. (Klapp)

*The client identified for years with having to care for her depressive husband, which depleted her energy. Besides, she built a business. When she finally decided to leave her partner, she was in inner conflict, not being able to use her new freedom. By learning to redefine her identity and life goals, new perspectives and energy resources show up. (Klapp)
*A young woman became seduced and manipulated by a man, so that she led a double life. When the situation is disclosed by fate, her family and friends feel betrayed by her. She lacks appetite and focus, and develops fatigue and hair loss, accompanied by emotions of guilt, shame and resentment. After treatment with EFT, and having the insight "I can change direction anytime", she takes steps to clear the situation, and finds new power. (Koch, MHU archive)
!!Additional Information
Cortisol is an antagonist to melatonin in the __circadian rhythm__ and makes us be awake.
__Any longer stress phase is accompanied by release of cortisol__ for to resolve the conflict. By the catabolic effect of cortisol, the tissue renewal and maintenance is impeded, what creates __preconditions for buildup of dysfunctional tissue__ (e.g. in tumors). This is why long-termed stress or overall high stress levels can lead to reduced vitality because of depletion of the gland.

__Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome__ appears in severe bacterial infections (in other tissues), which leads to decomposition of the adrenal cortex. This hints at a secondary conflict of the adrenal cortex through sub-optimal regeneration phases with the perception of dis-ease.

The "thirst hormone" aldosterone produced by the adrenal cortex stimulates reabsorption of water in the ((Urinary - Kidneys - Collecting Tubules|kidney tubules))

!!!Constellations
__Motivation Megalomania__: when orientation conflicts are present in both hemispheres, the person accesses a meta-perspective from which they find unshakeable intuition and decisiveness.

!!!Differential Diagnosis:
Fatigue and sleepiness can also be symptoms of the regular vagotonia in __any regeneration phase__, but also of cachexia through __long-termed stress__ in any tissues.

__((Endocrine - Pituitary Gland - Anterior Lobe|Pituitary Gland))__ (Brain Stem, +/-) "motivation stress": increased production of adrenocorticotropin (ADCT) which stimulates the adrenal cortex.

__((Endocrine - Adrenal Gland - Medulla|Adrenal Medulla))__ (Brain Stem, +/-): excessive stress effects increased production of adrenaline & noradrenaline, heightened attention, heart rate, blood pressure & respiration

__((Endocrine - Thyroid - Follicular Epithelium|Thyroid gland))__ (Brain Stem, +/-) velocity stress: increased thyroxine production, nervousness, weight loss; Regeneration phase: fatigue, depression, freezing, weight gain without appetite

__((Endocrine -Thyroid - Archaic Excretory Ducts|Thyroid "Ductal Pattern"))__ (Cerebral Cortex, -/+): Regeneration phase or prolonged stress of powerlessness lead to decreased thyroxine levels and fatigue.

__((Reproductive - Ovaries - Hormone Production|Ovaries Estrogen production))__ (Cerebral Medulla, -/+) stress (loss of a dear person): reduced hormone level, infertility; Regeneration phase: cysts, eventually increased hormone production.

__((Reproductive - Testicles (Hormone production)|Testicles Testosterone production))__ (Cerebral Medulla, -/+) stress (loss of a dear person=: reduced hormone level, infertility; Regeneration phase: increased hormone production.

__Territorial Constellations__ in the Cerebral Cortex lead to imbalances in the release of sex hormones, as well as to personality changes and manic or depressive episodes.
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