Question: Does one adrenal gland really completely take over full adrenal function even during times of illness or stress? 

Answer: The adrenal glands are very resilient and one adrenal gland is usually enough to sustain an adequate cortisol production; however, after the removal of a cortisol-producing adenoma from a solitary adrenal gland, the other adrenal gland may be shut off for quite a period of time. It may take even several years for the other adrenal gland to recover complete function. Patients in this situation may need to take physiologic hydrocortisone replacement for several years waiting for the other adrenal gland to recover its normal function. Nonetheless, a solitary adrenal gland is usually enough to serve people well even during periods of illness and stress.

By Dr. James Findling (Spring, 2000)