Which hormones are made by the adrenal cortex?

The adrenal cortex produces hormones that play crucial roles in metabolism, immune response, and other significant physiological functions. Among these hormones are glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which are involved in the regulation of metabolism and the stress response, as well as sex hormones like androgens and estrogens that contribute to the development of sexual characteristics and reproductive functions.

Glucocorticoids help manage how the body utilizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and they also modulate inflammation and immune responses. Meanwhile, the sex hormones produced by the adrenal cortex support sexual development and play roles in various bodily functions beyond reproduction.

In contrast, thyroid hormones and insulin are synthesized by entirely different glands—the thyroid gland and the pancreas, respectively—so they are not products of the adrenal cortex. Catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), are produced in the adrenal medulla rather than the cortex. Lastly, while testosterone and estrogen are indeed important hormones associated with sexual development, they are considered sex hormones rather than being categorized separately as products from the adrenal cortex alone, and their production encompasses a broader range of sources, including the gonads. Thus, the identification of glucocorticoids