Adrenal Gland Disorders

What are Adrenal Gland Disorders?

The adrenal glands are small triangular glands that are present on top of each kidney. They produce different hormones that control many bodily functions like maintaining blood sugar levels and regulating inflammation, regulating salt & water balance, maintaining pregnancy, controlling sexual maturation and affecting growth, development & stress. When adrenal glands don’t work properly and produce too much or too little of hormones, then Adrenal Gland Disorders occur.

Some common Adrenal Gland Disorders are:

• Adrenal gland tumors
• Adrenocortical carcinoma
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Congenital
• Adrenal
• Hyperplasia
• Pituitary tumors
• Adrenal gland suppression
• Addison’s disease
• Hyperaldosteronism

What are the causes of Adrenal Gland Disorders?

Various reasons for the occurrence of Adrenal Gland Disorders are:

• Genetic mutations
• Tumors including pheochromocytoma
• Infections
• Problems in other glands like pituitary gland that regulates the adrenal gland
• Certain medications

What are the symptoms of Adrenal Gland Disorders?

The signs and symptoms of Adrenal Gland Disorders greatly depend on the part of adrenal gland that is affected and the hormones produced.

• Symptoms of Cushing’s disease: lump of fat between shoulders, diabetes, excess body hair, high BP, swelling on face, obesity, sexual dysfunction and fatigue
• Symptoms of pheochromocytoma: pain in abdomen, headache, anxiety, heart palpitations, fatigue, excessive sweat, High BP, nausea, weakness, shivers and weight loss
• Symptoms of Addison’s disease: changes in BP, cravings for salt, skin darkening, diarrhea, weakness, fatigue and weight loss
• Symptoms of adrenal gland cancer: high BP, diabetes, thinning & weakness of bones, sudden weight gain and masculinization

How can Adrenal Gland Disorders be treated?

The treatment for Adrenal Gland Disorders depends on the type of disorder you have. Your doctor may recommend medications to treat Adrenal Gland Disorders. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.