The adrenal glands, which are located at the top of each kidney, produce hormones that are released into the bloodstream. When the adrenal glands produce and release abnormal amounts of hormone, it is referred to as an adrenal disorder.
The hormones that the adrenal gland produce include cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and your body’s response to stress.
Adrenal disorders fall into two categories: adrenal glands that produce either too much or too little of the necessary hormones.
The most common adrenal disorders include the following:
Symptoms of adrenal disorders will vary based on the type and cause of the disorder. While symptoms may vary, the most common ones include:
While the symptoms of adrenal disorders are a result of either the lack or excess amounts of hormones in the body, the causes of the abnormal levels vary.
There are several known causes of adrenal disorders, including autoimmunity disease, which is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Other causes include excess bleeding, infections, medications, tumors, or the spread of cancer to the adrenal glands.
Diagnosis and TreatmentTo establish a diagnosis of all adrenal disorders, blood and urine samples will be collected and tested for abnormal hormone levels. If abnormal growths are suspected, CT scans or MRIs are typically ordered to identify them.
Medication and/or surgery can treat many adrenal disorders. In cases where medication is the cause of the disorder, modifying prescriptions may correct the problem.
The doctors at Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center are endocrinology experts and highly trained to identify and effectively treat adrenal disorders.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions above, call Rocky Mountain Diabetes for an appointment, or fill out the form below.