Dr. Rinku Mehra and Dr. Lindsey Waldman of the Endo Kids Podcast explain the adrenal glands’ structure (cortex and medulla), hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, adrenal androgens, adrenaline), and brain regulation via the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ACTH feedback loop. They clarify cortisol’s essential roles in blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, and stress response, and contrast adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings, hyperpigmentation) and adrenal crisis (vomiting, dehydration, hypoglycemia, shock) requiring urgent hydrocortisone and IV fluids. They discuss excess cortisol/Cushing syndrome (weight gain with slowed height, round face, stretch marks, hypertension, mood changes), premature adrenarche versus central puberty, rare catecholamine tumors like pheochromocytoma, and common testing approaches.  ...