The adrenal glands, a pair of glands that sit on top of the kidney, are a site of hormone synthesis and secretion within the body. The adrenal glands respond to hormones and other factors circulating in the blood by producing and secreting a range of hormones that help regulate a number of processes within the body. The glands secrete aldosterone, other androgen hormones and cortisol, as well as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Adrenal gland dysfunction can lead to over- or under-production of hormones, which can lead to a number of harmful effects in the body.
Weight Gain
A symptom of adrenal gland dysfunction may be unexplained weight gain. Weight gain can indicate the development of Cushing's syndrome, a disorder sometimes caused by chronic overproduction of cortisol within the adrenal gland. The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service indicates that patients with Cushing's syndrome suffer from high blood pressure and blood sugar, in addition to their weight gain. If left untreated, Cushing's syndrome can be fatal.
Over-production of cortisol due to adrenal gland dysfunction may occur due to the development of an adrenal tumor. Cells in the adrenal tumor may secrete excess cortisol, or produce cortisol regardless of hormone signals in the blood, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Adrenal tumors can be treated with surgery, or with drugs to lower cortisol levels.
Weight Loss
Another possible symptom of adrenal gland dysfunction causing an under-active adrenal gland is unexplained weight loss, which may be due to the development of Addison's disease. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal system cannot produce sufficient levels of hormones, such as cortisol. MedlinePlus reports that patients with Addison's experience unexplained weight loss, along with patchy skin, low blood pressure, fatigue and muscle weakness. Adrenal dysfunction from Addison's develops because the immune system attacks the kidney, destroying the hormone-producing cells so the adrenal glands no longer function properly. Addison's disease can be treated by using hormone therapy to supplement levels of adrenal hormones in the body.
Abnormal Hair Growth
The adrenal glands normally produce aldesterone along with cortisol. Adrenal dysfunction can lead to decreased levels of these hormones within the body, which leads to an increase in circulating testosterone. High testosterone as an effect of adrenal dysfunction can lead to very early onset of puberty in boys, accompanied by early growth of pubic and armpit hair. Women with high testosterone from adrenal dysfunction will experience facial hair growth and excessive hair growth on the body. Inherited adrenal dysfunction that leads to high testosterone is a disease called congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Hormone replacement therapy to supplement levels of adrenal hormones can treat the disease.
