Cortisol helps your body respond to stress, such as from an injury or infection. Hormones secreted by the adrenal glands include cortisol and aldosterone.

Your adrenal glands are located on the top of each kidney. Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, is one form. DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is adrenal insufficiency? Is it the same as Addison’s disease?ĪNSWER: There are a few forms of adrenal insufficiency, which is an uncommon disorder caused by the adrenal glands not making enough of certain hormones.