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Adrenal Problems – Types, Symptoms, and Causes

Adrenal glands are a significant part of the body that produces certain hormones, including adrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone. When the production is too little or too much, it will result in adrenal problems. When left untreated, these adrenal disorders will affect the entire normal function of the human body. Therefore it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency to receive appropriate and timely treatment.

Adrenal Problems – Types, Symptoms, and Causes
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Adrenal problems – An overview
The human body is a complex creation of an interwoven system that must function coordinately to survive. When the function of a single organ is compromised, your health will be at risk. Adrenal glands are one of the smallest glands in the human body, which serve as regular entities of our entire system.

These glands at the top of each kidney are small and triangular and regulate numerous bodily functions. They are responsible for the regulation of hormones, including:

Cortisol (Glucocorticoids), which helps the body manage stress

Aldosterone (mineralocorticoids), which helps balance the level of fluid in the body

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which aids in the regulation of the cortisol hormone

In addition, these adrenal glands also have a vital role in the secretion of sex hormones, estrogen, and testosterone. When the secretion of these hormones is affected by various causative factors, they will interfere with the normal functioning of an individual’s body.

Simply put, the adrenal gland’s overproduction or underproduction of hormones leads to adrenal problems that will impair both physical and mental well-being.

Types of adrenal problems
Adrenal glands control the flight or fight instinct of the body. When these glands get affected, it will disrupt several critical functions. People may experience several types of adrenal problems. Some commonly diagnosed types of adrenal disorders are:

Primary adrenal insufficiency: It is also referred to as Addison’s disease, which occurs due to the inability of adrenal glands to produce adequate cortisol hormones.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency: It is the most common adrenal problem when there is insufficient secretion of ACTH, which in turn affects the production of cortisol.

Adrenal cancer: It is an aggressive and rare type of cancer that impairs the outer layer of the adrenal gland.

Cushing’s disease: When the adrenal gland secretes too much cortisol, it will result in Cushing’s disease. In most cases, the condition occurs due to the formation of tumors in the pituitary glands located at the base of the brain.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: CAH is a genetic disorder that inhibits the adrenal gland from producing sufficient cortisol. This condition also induces the development of other hormone problems, which are common among people.

Conn’s syndrome: Also known as hyperaldosteronism, this condition happens due to the over-secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal glands.

Pheochromocytoma: It is a rare condition that affects the adrenal medulla, the middle region of the adrenal gland. The condition occurs due to the overproduction of catecholamines. It typically affects people with high blood pressure.

Virilization: It occurs due to excess androgen production, which is apparent in males before puberty.

What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?
Since the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency tend to progress slowly, they often go unnoticed by people. These symptoms have been linked with other potential illnesses, causing the condition to progress rapidly. When this happens, it is medically treated as an Addison or primary adrenal crisis.

It is the first sign of adrenal insufficiency, which allows individuals to realize that they have been affected by adrenal disorders. We have hereby listed the common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency:

Feeling tired or extremely weak
Abdominal pain
Frequent thirst and urination
Diarrhea or nausea, or vomiting
Severe pain in muscles or joints or headaches
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Irregular menstruation in women
Dehydration due to severe vomiting
The appearance of dark patches on the skin of the face, hands, and neck (hyperpigmentation)
Reduced appetite
Rapid heart rate
Excessive and unusual sweating of the face or hands

What are the causes of adrenal problems?
The mechanism of the particular disorder can determine the causes of adrenal problems. Most individuals are affected by adrenal insufficiency, which occurs due to an autoimmune disorder. When an autoimmune condition causes adrenal insufficiency, the immune system begins to attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs.

This autoimmune condition also damages the adrenal glands and blocks their production of adequate cortisol for the normal functioning of one’s body. On the other hand, certain adrenal problems are congenital (diagnosed at birth). Below we have listed some of the common causes of adrenal problems:

Genetic conditions
Bacterial and viral infections such as tuberculosis
Formation of tumor cells in the adrenal glands, including Pheochromocytomas
Bleeding in the cells of adrenal glands
Complications in the pituitary gland or other endocrine glands
Severe stress
Certain prescription treatment

Conclusion
Adrenal problems occur when the adrenal glands cannot function optimally. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may not always be noticeable in people. While some people may experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, others may not show any.

Therefore, it is advisable to visit an endocrinologist to conduct a comprehensive test periodically to ensure that one’s hormone levels are healthy. Furthermore, there is no cure for adrenal problems. However, opting for the proper and timely treatment will help individuals lead long and active lives.

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