• Skip to main content
  • Members Area
    • Login
    • Account
    • Quick and Effective Strength
    • Work From Home Fitness
    • Shoulder Flexibility
    • Easy Hamstrings Flexibility
    • Hip Flexibility Program
    • Smart Core
    • Rings Routine
    • Hypertrophy Routine
    • Slackline Program
  • My Training Programs
    • Quick and Effective Workout
    • Work From Home Fitness
    • The Ultimate Flexibility Bundle
    • Shoulder & Upper Back Flexibility
    • Hip Flexibility
    • Easy Hamstrings
    • Rings Routine
    • Smart Core
    • Hypertrophy Routine
    • /r/bodyweightfitness Routine (Free; Beginners)
    • Bodyweight PPL Split (Free; Intermediate)
    • Minimalistic Upper Body Routine (Free; All Levels)
  • Articles & Tutorials
    • The Fitness Index
    • Nutrition Index
    • Inspirational Index
    • Science Index
      • Human Anatomy Series
      • Human Physiology Series
      • Pharmacology Series
  • About Me
    • Contact Antranik
    • Online Coaching

Antranik.org

Strength & Flexibility Expert

Like! Follow! Subscribe!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Introduction to Adrenocorticoid Pharmacology

NOTE: Adrenocorticoids and adrenocorticosteroids are used interchangeably. So are glucocorticoids and glucocorticoisteroids.

Adrenocorticosteroids are produced in the adrenal cortex and regulated by ACTH. They are synthesized from a cholesterol backbone and broken into two subcategories: Mineralcorticoid and Glucocorticoid.

The mineralcorticoid hormone produced in the adrenal gland is useful for electrolyte homeostasis. An example of a mineralcorticoid is aldosterone. The release of aldosterone causes the retention of sodium and water and excretion of potassium.  It’s easy to remember this because the prefix ‘mineral-‘ is related to electrolytes.

The glucocorticoid hormones affect carb, fat and protein metabolism. An example of a glucocorticoid is cortisol. It’s easy to remember this because the prefix ‘gluco-‘ is related to energy [metabolism].

Recap

  • Adrenocorticoids are produced in the Adrenal Cortex
  • Regulated by ACTH
  • Synthesized from Cholesterol
  • Mineralcorticoids deal with electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. aldosterone)
  • Glucocorticoids deal with energy metabolism (e.g. cortisol)

Disease States

Regardless of whether the adrenocorticosteroid in question is a mineralcorticoid or glucocorticoid, there’s problems associated with either if the levels are not normal.

Cushing’s Disease: In Cushing’s disease we have an overproduction/excess of adrenocorticoids. These people have hypertension because of the sodium and water retention (due to aldosterone).  Also since their energy metabolism (due to cortisol) is affected, fat redistributes onto their face (moon face) and (in severe cases) on their back (hunch back).  People who have been on long-term glucocorticoids, such as prednisone have these issues as well.

Addison’s Disease: In Addison’s disease we have a low production of adrenocorticoids (cortisol and aldosterone). This requires therapy with the intake of both mineralcorticosteroids and glucocorticosteroids. For this reason, a person’s with this disease will have to be on two drugs.

Note: The trend over the past few years has been to encourage people to stop using traditional labels based on names of people (such as Islets of Langerhans or Addison’s Disease), but instead to call them by their technical names.  So Addison’s disease is technically also called hypoglucocorticosteroidism.

Recap

  • Cushing’s Disease
    • High output of adrenocorticosteroids
    • Hypertension
    • Fat Redistribution
  • Addison’s Disease
    • Low production of adrenocorticosteroids
    • Requires therapy with mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids

Now let’s go in much greater detail about this topic: Corticosteroid Pharmacology

Want To Get Strong and Flexible? 💪 Check Out My Programs!

The Quick and Effective Workout Program

Looking for a simple and straightforward bodyweight-oriented strength training routine that doesn't take too much time? You're not the only one! A survey I … [Read More]

Antranik’s Hip Flexibility Program

I've created this hip flexibility program for those that would like to improve their flexibility in an efficient manner, with a follow along video that only … [Read More]

Antranik’s Hypertrophy Routine

This training routine is focused largely on increasing strength and muscle mass (aka muscular hypertrophy). If I had to sum up the routine in one fell swoop I … [Read More]

Antranik’s Easy Hamstrings Program

For those who have poor flexibility, tight hamstrings and want a simple program that will help them to get looser in a gentle, non-painful manner. In this … [Read More]

Shoulder & Upper Back Flexibility Program

For anyone who wants better shoulder health, shoulder flexibility, a looser upper back and improved posture, this program takes all the guess work out of it to … [Read More]

Antranik’s Smart Core Program

I don't know about you but nothing gets me fired up more than working on my abs. It's a unique muscle group that is utilized in every exercise and making it … [Read More]

Antranik’s Rings Bodyweight Training Routine

This is for anybody who wants to get strong and have fun with a gymnastics-inspired routine. It is highly bodyweight-exercise oriented (no external weights) and … [Read More]

The Ultimate Flexibility Bundle

I have three premium flexibility programs that I offer and many of you have been clamoring for a bundle-package, so here it is! You could now buy the … [Read More]

Latest Instagram Posts

Contact · Login

Get An Exclusive Email Special

when you sign up for our newsletter today

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for special offer.