ABSTRACT
The steroid hormones are produced in the adrenal glands (situated on top of each of the two kidneys). Like all endocrine glands, they can become overactive or under-active. In fact, disease of these important glands is rare. The adrenal glands can be destroyed by metastatic deposits of cancer, by an autoimmune process or by infection (usually tuberculosis). They can be over-active and produce raised blood pressure, obesity and muscle weakness. These rare occurrences are dramatically over-shadowed by the problems (and the benefits) caused by the prescription of steroid drugs.
