The adrenal glands are thumb-sized glands atop the kidneys. They produce hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol, that affect energy production, metabolism and the way the body responds to stress. As the University of Maryland Medical Center points out, well-functioning adrenal glands affect appetite and weight. When the adrenal glands produce too few hormones, the result is adrenal exhaustion, also known as Addison's disease. Weight loss is a common symptom of adrenal exhaustion.
Identification
A medical exam is necessary to determine whether a person's weight loss is associated with adrenal gland problems. Additional symptoms of adrenal exhaustion may include physical weakness, dizziness, darkened skin tone, dark freckles, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, discoloration surrounding the nipples, rectum and pelvic area, depressive moods and cold sensitivity. In addition to medical history review and physical examination, doctors conduct kidney function tests, as well as blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Cause/Effect
Weight loss associated with adrenal exhaustion is caused by hormone deficiency. As women's health expert Christiane Northrup, M.D., points out, the adrenal glands produce cortisol---a hormone that increases appetite and energy while reducing the immune system's inflammatory and allergic responses. Cortisol also supports mood balance. When adrenal exhaustion interferes with cortisol production, loss of appetite and weight loss may occur. Depressive moods and lethargy caused by the condition can also hinder appetite and trigger weight loss. Causes of Addison's disease itself include damaged adrenal glands, irregular immune system responses and various illnesses, such as tuberculosis and cancer. Northrup describes ill management of stress and long-term nutrient deficiencies as additional contributing factors.
Severity
While some individuals experience mild or infrequent shifts in weight, energy and appetite, others encounter more serious effects. According to research published in the "British Medical Journal" in July 2009, weight loss associated with Addison's disease has been known to reach such severity that it sometimes is misdiagnosed as anorexia---a psychiatric illness characterized by self-starvation. Though such cases are infrequent, they may become life-threatening.
Complications
Severe weight loss caused by adrenal dysfunction can lead to further reduced energy, nutrient deficiencies and emotional problems. Long-term nutrient deficiencies increase a person's risk for conditions such as anemia and osteoporosis. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that if left untreated, Addison's disease may cause severe stomach pain, low blood pressure and shock. Chronic stress increases the risk for these complications.
Solution
Once Addison's disease is treated, a person's appetite and weight generally return to normal levels. To improve adrenal gland function, doctors may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids. Patients may also receive fludrocortisone---a medication that helps restore sodium and potassium levels in the body. In addition, Northrup recommends that people recovering from adrenal exhaustion adhere to a natural-foods, healthy diet low in refined sugar and sufficient in protein. She also suggests avoiding caffeine and not using natural cleansing or "detox" programs, which can exacerbate adrenal problems.
