Unmasking Adrenal Disorders: Insights and Solutions
Our bodies are complex systems that work together to ensure we function at our best. Interestingly, not many people are aware of the adrenal gland system. However, it is an essential part of the body. The body part produces hormones, chemical messengers that send signals to different body parts to perform specific tasks. When you are constantly experiencing high blood pressure or headaches, the adrenal gland won’t be the first thing that comes to mind. These two organs may be small, but without them, we would be fried. So, we would love to teach you about adrenal disorders, their symptoms, their causes, treatment options, and how to live with the disorders.
What are adrenal disorders?
The adrenal glands are small organs that are found on the upper side of the kidney. Adrenal glands produce various hormones needed by the body to function. Hormones are found all over your body and are responsible for how your body functions. Examples of hormones produced by the adrenal glands include noradrenaline, aldosterone, cortisol, and adrenaline. Examples of tasks that hormones carry out include maintaining a salt-water balance, transforming food into energy, supporting pregnancy, maintaining the body at homeostasis, and activating your fight or flight mode. Adrenal gland disorders occur when these organs do not produce enough hormones. Conversely, when they make too many hormones, it is also considered a disorder. When hormones are underproduced, a patient may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, and nausea.
Symptoms of adrenal disorders
There are many types of adrenal gland disorders; for instance, Addison‘s disease occurs when the body is not producing enough cortisol. Addison’s disease is often brought about by autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, HIV, and type 1 diabetes. Cushing’s syndrome occurs when there are high levels of cortisol, often as a result of taking too many steroids. On the other hand, Cushing’s disease is caused by the overproduction of hormones, specifically the hormone cortisol. Overproduction of cortisol leads to obesity, increased risk of bleeding, irregular menstrual cycle, and high blood pressure. We also have the adrenal gland incidentaloma, which is a cancerous tumor on these glands. The growth of cancerous cells can lead to overproduction of hormones. An aldosterone-producing adenoma is a type of cancer that produces benign tumors and results in the production of too much aldosterone. Pheochromocytomas are an adrenal disorder that leads to the overproduction of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which puts a person at high risk of getting a heart attack and stroke. Lastly, overuse of steroids can lead to adrenal gland suppression. This happens because steroids mimic how cortisol works. When a person stops taking steroids, the body does not receive the message that the body is not producing enough cortisol. As such, a person may experience hormonal imbalance.
Symptoms of adrenal disorders
Although symptoms may vary, make sure to look out for these symptoms;
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Darken of skin
- Constipation
- Mouth sores
- Craving for salty foods
As mentioned, hormones aid in the digestion of food and also control our appetite. As such, if you are experiencing unexplained loss of appetite, weight loss, and stomach pain, adrenal disorders might be your answer. Additionally, although high blood pressure could be a symptom of several disorders, it comes along with adrenal disorders, especially if the patient is exercising headaches and has low sodium levels. Also, the imbalance of salt and water in the body can make blood pressure skyrocket. The underproduction of hormones can cause muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and general tiredness. Fatigue and weakness are specific to Addison’s disease. The factors that can put a person at a high chance of getting adrenal disorders include;
- Past infections
- Chronic and autoimmune diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and Lupus
- Antifungal medications
How can adrenal disorders be treated?
Each adrenal disorder requires a particular type of treatment. It is essential to monitor when symptoms occur and how long they last. To diagnose adrenal disorders, a physician typically performs a blood test to assess sodium and potassium levels. Imaging technology such as CT scans and MRIs can also help detect adrenal disorders by showing tumors or swellings.
Treatment of adrenal disorders that involve tumors requires surgery. Once the tumors are removed, you can be guaranteed that all your troubles are over. However, surgery is the risky way to go because of the increased risk of surgery and longer recovery time. For those with Cushing’s disease or Addison’s disease, replacement therapy or hormone suppression can be helpful. Physicians can prescribe supplements to help the body naturally boost hormone production for Addison’s disease. For people with Cushing’s disease, medication that helps reduce hormone production can be helpful.
How do adrenal disorders affect everyday life?
Fortunately, the adrenal gland can easily be treated. Many people with adrenal gland disorders can lead everyday lives and have a normal lifespan. However, people living with Addison’s disease can struggle to navigate through life while fatigued. Additionally, it is advisable not to let cortisol levels fall to dangerous levels. This results in a condition called adrenal crisis. When left untreated, adrenal crises can be fatal.
If a patient has cancerous tumors on the adrenal glands, they can be entirely removed. A person can survive just fine without both adrenal glands. However, such a person needs to take steroid hormones such as fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone. Once these glands have been removed, most people can lead an everyday life.
Fortunately, if you need adrenal disorder management, we’ve got you! First, our professional team will ensure you are on the proper medication. We will also give you the lifestyle changes you need to make to live healthily. For our patients who need both noninvasive and invasive surgery for tumor removal, our team of professionals is highly qualified and provides safe and quality care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and tell us what services you might need!
