Adrenal Gland Disorders
What are the adrenal glands?
Our body has two adrenal glands; one sitting on top of each kidney. They secrete hormones into the blood stream enabling various body tissues to properly function. The hormones from the adrenal glands are produced in response to signals from the pituitary gland (located in the brain) which is reacting to signals from the hypothalamus (also located in the brain).
They are a small triangular shaped gland made up of two distinct components:
- The adrenal cortex (the outer part)
- The adrenal medulla (the inner part)
Each performs distinct functions and each zone of the adrenal cortex secretes a specific hormone.
Some of these hormones are related to a stress response and are vital to our existence.
Key hormones produced by the adrenal cortex include:
Cortisol
This helps control how the body uses fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It regulates our blood pressure, increases blood sugar, represses inflammation, and can decrease the formation of bones. Cortisol is also in control of the sleep/wake cycle.
Released during times of stress, cortisol provides an energy boost to the body to assist in handling emergency situations.
Aldosterone
This plays a key role in blood pressure regulation as well as regulating sodium and potassium. It helps the blood pH by controlling the levels of electrolytes.
DHEA and Androgenic Steroids
These are precursor hormones that the ovaries convert into estrogens and the testes into androgens, however these hormones are produced in much larger amounts in the ovaries and the testes.
Epinephrine (Adrenaline) and Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)
The inner part of the adrenal gland (the adrenal medulla) is in control of “fight or flight response” hormones. Among other functions, these hormones are able to increase our heart rate and heart contraction rate. They also help maintain our blood pressure and can increase it in response to stress.
The adrenal glands release these (as well as other hormones) to assist when your body needs additional resources to deal with physical and/or emotional stress requiring greater energy levels.
What can result from adrenal gland disorders?
When the adrenal glands produce too much or too little of particular hormones this creates adrenal gland disorders. Each has its own symptoms and treatments. These include:
Adrenal gland tumours. These are abnormal growths that occur on the adrenal glands. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and don’t often have symptoms or require treatment. However, they can cause hormone levels to become too high which can result in:
Cushing Syndrome. This is a rare disease caused by an over production of cortisol.
Primary hyperaldosteronism. Caused by high levels of alderstone which controls our blood pressure, body salt and potassium levels.
Pheochromocytoma. This is from too much adrenaline.
Other adrenal gland conditions and tumours include:
Adrenocortical Carcinoma. This is a cancerous adrenal tumour.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). This is a common genetic disorder of the adrenal glands that occurs when the body doesn’t make enough cortisol.
Pheochromocytomas. This tumour occurs in the adrenal medulla and results in high levels of adrenaline.
Adrenal Gland Suppression. This usually occurs as a result of steroid medications being used for the control of some chronic disease such as certain types of arthritis, sever allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Addison’s Disease. This is a rare, autoimmune disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands make too little cortisol.
Hyperaldosteronism. This occurs from much aldosterone being produced which regulates our blood pressure, salt, and potassium levels. It is often as a result of a tumour or from abnormal growth of the adrenal gland, or both glands – this condition is known as “hyperplasia.”
What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?
Symptoms vary widely and are dependent upon the condition.
How are adrenal gland disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis methods vary depending upon the specific disorder, and in some instances of childhood adrenal disorders can be detected at newborn screening.
At your consultation Dr Nandi will take a medical and familial history and will then determine which tests are appropriate. These can include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- CAT or MRI scan
- Physical examination
- ACTH stimulation test
How are adrenal gland disorders treated?
Dr Nandi provides the latest advice and medical treatments for adrenal gland disorders based on the specific condition. These can include:
- Medication to stop excess production of hormones
- Hormone replacement medications
- Advice for surgical intervention for tumour removal
If you require specialist management for adrenal gland disorders, please ask your GP for a referral and contact our rooms on 07 4051 9711 to arrange for a consultation with Dr Nandi.
