Adrenal Disease Specialist

What hormones does adrenal disease disrupt?

Your two adrenal glands (one above each kidney) produce:

Cortisol

Cortisol suppresses inflammation, increases blood sugar, and inhibits insulin. It also helps regulate your blood pressure and sleep/wake cycles and controls how your body uses proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Your blood levels of cortisol naturally rise during the day and fall at night. However, the adrenals release a surge of cortisol when you're under stress. Long-term stress results in chronically high cortisol.

Aldosterone

Aldosterone controls blood pressure, as well as blood levels of potassium and sodium, the electrolytes needed for healthy muscle, nerve, and heart function. 

Adrenalin (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine)

Both hormones energize your body when you face a dangerous, frightening, or emergency situation.

DHEA and androgenic steroids

These hormones turn into estrogen and progesterone.

What adrenal disease might I develop?

The three most common adrenal disorders include:

Addison's disease

Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) develops when your adrenal glands can't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. The condition most often occurs when an autoimmune disorder or tumor damages the glands.

If you have Addison's disease, you experience symptoms such as:

• Chronic fatigue
• Weight loss
• Muscle and joint aches
• Muscle weakness
• Salt cravings
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

The adrenal glands respond to instructions from the pituitary gland. As a result, secondary adrenal insufficiency develops if you have a pituitary disorder. 

Cushing's syndrome

When the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, you develop Cushing's syndrome. Your symptoms may include:

• Weight gain (especially in the abdomen)
• Fat deposits in the upper back, face, and between the shoulders
• Thin arms and legs
• Stretch marks
• Thin skin
• Easy bruising
• Slow-healing cuts

Cushing's syndrome often develops due to prolonged use of steroids or a tumor in the adrenal or pituitary glands.

Adrenal nodules and tumors

Nodules and tumors are usually benign (noncancerous), but they may produce adrenal hormones. Your symptoms depend on which hormone the mass produces.

High cortisol levels cause Cushing's symptoms. Too much aldosterone leads to high blood pressure and muscle aches and weakness. And excessive adrenaline or noradrenaline leads to headaches, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.

How are adrenal disorders treated?

Prime Endocrinology of Tampa creates personalized treatment plans based on the type of adrenal disorder. Your treatment may include medication, hormone replacement therapy, or dietary changes. If you have a hormone-producing nodule or tumor, your provider may recommend surgery to remove the growth.

If you have questions about your symptoms or need to schedule an appointment for adrenal disorders, call Prime Endocrinology of Tampa or book an appointment online today.