Adrenal Conditions
Understanding Adrenal Conditions
Adrenal conditions encompass a variety of disorders that affect the adrenal glands, which are small, triangular glands located on top of each kidney. These glands produce essential hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and our stress response.
Functions of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands consist of two main parts: the adrenal cortex (outer layer) and the adrenal medulla (inner layer), each responsible for producing different hormones:
- Adrenal Cortex: Produces cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.
- Adrenal Medulla: Produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
Types of Adrenal Disorders
Adrenal disorders occur when the glands produce too much or too little of a particular hormone. Common adrenal disorders include:
- Addison’s Disease: Caused by insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone.
- Cushing’s Syndrome: Results from excessive cortisol production.
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): A genetic disorder affecting hormone production.
- Hyperaldosteronism: Overproduction of aldosterone.
- Adrenal Tumors: Can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous), affecting hormone production.
Recognising the Symptoms of Adrenal Conditions
Symptoms of adrenal conditions can vary widely depending on the specific disorder but may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Changes in body composition (limb atrophy and central obesity)
- High or low blood pressure
- Mood changes, including depression or irritability
- New type 2 diabetes, hypertension or osteoporosis
Recognising the Symptoms of Adrenal Conditions
Symptoms of adrenal conditions can vary widely depending on the specific disorder but may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Changes in body composition (limb atrophy and central obesity)
- High or low blood pressure
- Mood changes, including depression or irritability
- New type 2 diabetes, hypertension or osteoporosis
Diagnostic Methods for Adrenal Conditions
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests:
- Hormone Tests: Blood, urine, and saliva tests to measure hormone levels.
- Stimulation Tests: Such as the ACTH stimulation test to assess adrenal function.
- Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans to detect tumors or abnormalities in the adrenal glands.
Management:
Adrenal conditions cannot be managed with lifestyle and specific medical or surgical therapies are required
- Surgical removal of a tumour
- Medications to replace hormone deficiencies or treat excess hormone levels