Types of adrenal gland disorders

The most common adrenal gland disorders include:

• Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency): People with this condition don’t produce enough cortisol and/or aldosterone.
• Adrenal gland suppression: A type of adrenal insufficiency related to external sources of cortisol, often affecting those who take synthetic hormones like prednisone or dexamethasone.
• Cushing syndrome: Characterized by high levels of cortisol in the body.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): Individuals with CAH lack the enzymes needed by the adrenal glands to produce sufficient hormones.
• Hyperaldosteronism: This condition leads to the overproduction of aldosterone.
• Virilization: Occurs when the body produces excess male sex hormones, noticeable in females or boys before puberty.

Adrenal gland disorders related to growths (tumors) include:

• Adrenal gland tumors: Typically benign (noncancerous), these tumors can disrupt hormone output, with adrenal adenoma being the most common.
• Adrenocortical carcinoma: A rare disorder where cancer forms in the adrenal gland’s outer layer.
• Pheochromocytoma: This condition causes the glands to produce too much epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to elevated blood pressure or a racing heart.
• Pituitary adenomas: Benign tumors on the pituitary gland can cause adrenal gland disorders by affecting hormone production in the adrenal glands.

What are the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders?

Adrenal gland disorder symptoms vary depending on the hormones involved. Since some symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, it's crucial to see a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of high cortisol levels include:

• Upper body obesity while arms and legs remain thin.
• Fatigue.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Easily bruised skin.
• Wide, discolored streaks on the abdomen.
• Confusion.

Symptoms of high aldosterone levels include:

• High blood pressure.
• Low potassium (hypokalemia).
• Weakness.
• Muscle spasms.
• Muscle pain.

Symptoms of high male sex hormone levels, which are noticeable in people AFAB or young children AMAB before puberty, include:

• Facial hair.
• Balding.
• Acne.
• Deeper voice.
• Increased muscle mass.
• Higher sex drive.

What causes adrenal gland disorders?

Adrenal gland disorders can occur due to several reasons, including:

• Overproduction or underproduction of hormones by your adrenal glands.
• Conditions affecting other glands, such as your pituitary gland.
• External factors, like medications or environmental chemicals, that alter hormone levels.
• Genetic mutations that cause changes in hormone levels.

In some cases, healthcare providers may not be able to determine why certain individuals develop adrenal gland disorders while others do not.

What are the complications of adrenal gland disorders?

The adrenal glands and their hormone regulation play crucial roles in numerous bodily functions. Unaddressed disorders can lead to severe complications, some of which may pose life-threatening risks.