Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are two small triangular glands that sit on top of each of the kidneys. They produce three essential hormones.

  • Cortisol hormone that regulates the metabolism of glucose and protein, and also blood pressure and the immune system.

  • Aldosterone, the hormone responsible for balancing blood pressure, sodium and potassium.

  • Adrenaline or epinephrine, the hormone that controls the body’s response to stress. Too much or too little of any of these hormones leads to adrenal disorders.

 

Nodules

Adrenal nodules are mostly noncancerous swellings and aggregation of cells in the adrenal glands. Sometimes they cause an overproduction of adrenal hormones. They do not cause any symptoms and usually show up during a scan or ultrasound for other conditions. Most nodules don’t require treatment, but sometimes they can cause complications and require surgery and medications.

 
 

Cushing Syndrome

 Cushing syndrome is associated with an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. The causes could be a tumour in the adrenal or pituitary gland. Cushing syndrome symptoms include osteoporosis, irregular menstrual cycles, hypertension, glucose intolerance, kidney stones, and excess growth of hair.

Diagnosis involves cortisol levels tests and scans to ascertain the presence of tumours. Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Cushing syndrome treatment includes different surgical methods to treat the condition.

 
 

Conn’s Syndrome

Conn’s syndrome or Conn’s disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands which causes the glands to produce too much aldosterone. The aldosterone hormone is responsible for balancing blood pressure, sodium and potassium. Overproduction leads to symptom’s such as high blood pressure, reduced levels of potassium in the blood, headaches, weakness of the muscle, and excessive urination.  

Conn’s syndrome is usually due to a tumour or inflammation of the adrenal glands. Blood tests and scans can reveal hormone levels and the size and shape of the glands. Conn’s syndrome treatment options are medication and surgery.

 
 

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. It is due to an autoimmune reaction, in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the outer part of the adrenal gland. Other causes are damage to the glands due to cancer, tuberculosis, or some other disease.

Patients experience fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, cravings for salt, and darkening of the elbows, knees, toes, and lips. Diagnosis includes testing cortisol levels and scans to ascertain size, shape, and degree of damage to the glands. Treatment includes cortisol and other hormone replacement therapy and medication. 

 
 

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an adrenal glands disorder which affects the proper functioning of the glands. The glands produce an excess of male hormones and too little of cortisol and aldosterone. The condition occurs when a child inherits one copy of the defective gene from each parent.

 Symptoms include excessive hair growth, infertility, acne, rapid early growth in childhood, which is stunted in adulthood, abnormal genitals in females, dehydration, shock, and death if untreated. Diagnosis is via physical examination, and blood and genetic tests. Treatment involves hormone-replacement medication for child and parents (if necessary), and surgery to correct abnormalities.

 
 

Phaeochromocytoma

Phaeochromocytoma is a tumour of the adrenal gland. It results in an overproduction of adrenaline. It also causes excess production of noradrenaline. Adrenaline and noradrenaline control physical activity and response to stress. Symptoms include high blood pressure, sweating, anxiety, and headaches, all of which may be experienced in bursts, as the hormones are released. Blood pressure, pulse, urine, and blood tests, and scans may be required to diagnose and confirm the condition. Medication, surgical removal of the tumour, and chemotherapy are treatment options.

 
 

For more information on adrenal glands, please visit Hormones Australia website.