Adrenal Gland Conditions

Adrenal Gland Conditions
22.12.2023

Many different conditions can affect your adrenal gland and the way it works.

Adrenal cancer. Sometimes, cancerous tumors may grow on the adrenal glands. Because this type of cancer is so rare, it often spreads to other organs before it’s diagnosed. Symptoms may include an excess of one or more adrenal hormones and abdominal pain.

Adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which your adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol. Primary adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison’s disease, occurs when something like an autoimmune disorder, cancer, or infection damages the adrenal gland. 

Secondary adrenal insufficiency is caused by a lack of the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). ACTH is the hormone your pituitary gland sends to your adrenal glands to tell them to produce more cortisol. It can be caused by long-term use of certain steroids or damage to the pituitary gland. Pituitary damage may be caused by tumors, radiation, loss of blood flow, or removal.

Adrenal insufficiency can have a wide variety of symptoms, including:

  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular or missing menstrual periods
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar
  • Muscle aches
  • Weakness

Severe or untreated adrenal insufficiency may lead to kidney failure and shock.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic condition that results in adrenal insufficiency. It is caused by a lack of the enzyme that makes cortisol or the enzyme that makes aldosterone. Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia often have excess androgen, leading to early puberty in boys and more male characteristics in girls. 

Cushing Syndrome. Cushing syndrome happens when your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This can happen because of long-term use of some steroids but can also be caused by a tumor that causes the pituitary gland to release too much ACTH. Symptoms can include diabetes, fatigue, fatty deposits throughout the body, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and weight gain. 

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Hyperaldosteronism. Hyperaldosteronism happens when the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone. Primary hyperaldosteronism is caused by an issue with the adrenal glands, such as a tumor, while secondary hyperaldosteronism is due to a medical condition elsewhere in the body. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, low potassium, muscle weakness, and numbness.

Overactive adrenal glands. Sometimes, the adrenal glands grow nodules. They may be cancerous or benign and may also lead to overproduction of one of the adrenal hormones. Symptoms will depend on what part of the adrenal gland is affected.

Pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the adrenal medulla that causes an excess of adrenaline or noradrenaline. Symptoms include anxiety, headaches, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, and tremors.

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