Adrenal Glandular - National Nutrition Articles The adrenal glands are small, crescent-shaped glands that rest on the top of each kidney. They each have an outer layer called the cortex, which produces sex hormones, regulates water balance and blood pressure, and releases the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for our ability to manage long-term stress. https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/adrenal-glandular/