The tested one
Adrenal cortex extract from a tested source
Choose only brands that test hormone content and use inspected herds.
What variations of adrenal glandular exist?
Dried adrenal gland tissue, usually from cows or pigs, sold for fatigue and stress. Evidence is very limited, and testing has found that some products contain real steroid and thyroid hormones. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The tested one
Adrenal cortex extract from a tested source
Choose only brands that test hormone content and use inspected herds.
Usually skip
- The whole gland (Whole adrenal glandular)Includes the part of the gland that makes adrenaline, and what's inside is unpredictable.
- The gland mix (Multi-glandular 'adrenal support' blends)Amounts are often unclear, and some add thyroid or other gland tissue.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for the animal source, country of origin, and testing for hormone content
Watch out for
- No mention of the animal source, country of origin, or testing for hormone content
- Blends that combine adrenal and thyroid tissue
- Claims that it replaces cortisol or steroid medicine
Check with your provider first if…
- You have Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency. Never use it in place of, or to cut back, prescribed steroid replacement.
- You take prednisone, hydrocortisone, or other steroid medicine
- You have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medicine (some products contain hidden thyroid hormone)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- Signs of too much, such as a racing heart, anxiety, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar. Don't stop suddenly after long use without guidance.
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.