11/24/2025
We discussed this morning the effects of rung out adrenal glands in our horses - now let's look at the effect on their liver and kidneys. Adrenal exhaustion in horses doesn’t just affect the adrenal glands—it secondarily stresses the kidneys and liver
Adrenal glands secrete:
• Glucocorticoids (cortisol): Regulate metabolism, stress response, and anti-inflammatory activity.
• Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone): Regulate sodium/potassium balance and water retention via the kidneys.
• Catecholamines (epinephrine/norepinephrine) from the medulla: Support stress responses.
When the adrenals are exhausted these hormones are deficient leading to:
Effects on the Kidneys
a. Sodium and Water Balance
• Aldosterone normally signals the kidney to reabsorb sodium and water.
• Deficiency → hyponatremia (low sodium), dehydration, low blood volume.
• Reduced kidney perfusion may also decrease filtration rate, risking pre-renal azotemia.
b. Potassium Regulation
• Without aldosterone, potassium excretion is impaired → hyperkalemia.
• Hyperkalemia can disrupt cardiac conduction, and the kidneys cannot compensate.
c. Blood Pressure Regulation
• Loss of mineralocorticoid support → hypotension.
• Renin-angiotensin system attempts compensation, but low adrenal function limits angiotensin II → aldosterone conversion, so compensation fails.
d. Metabolic Impacts
• Low cortisol → decreased glomerular filtration, impaired gluconeogenesis in the kidney.
• Kidney cells are more sensitive to stress and hypoperfusion.
Effects on the Liver
a. Glucose Metabolism
•Adrenal exhaustion → hypoglycemia because the liver cannot produce enough glucose from amino acids or glycerol.
• Adrenal exhaustion → hypoglycemia because the liver cannot produce enough glucose from amino acids or glycerol.
• Glycogen stores may become depleted, further worsening energy availability.
b. Protein Metabolism
• Cortisol normally promotes protein catabolism to supply substrates for gluconeogenesis.
• Deficiency → impaired liver function in maintaining amino acid balance.
• This can contribute to muscle weakness and lethargy in the horse.
c. Detoxification and Hormone Clearance
• The liver metabolizes circulating hormones.
• Low cortisol and aldosterone may alter liver enzyme activity indirectly via poor perfusion (from hypotension) and electrolyte imbalance, leading to impaired drug and toxin metabolism.
d. Fat Metabolism
• Cortisol supports mobilization of fats for energy. Without it → reduced lipolysis, contributing to energy deficiency.
Our products are designed to work together synergistically to create harmony in your horses' bodies, calm their systems and heal their imbalances. If you suspect over-use of your horse's endocrine system (common in performance horses), consider pairing Hormone Balancer and Protect.
