Adrenal Imbalance

The adrenal glands are endocrine glands found in the body. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream and are located in different parts of the body. There are two adrenal glands in the body, and each one is located on top of a kidney. The adrenal glands secrete more than one hormone. Production of too much or too little of any of the adrenal hormones can lead to hormone imbalance.

Adrenal Hormones

The adrenal gland is made of the adrenal cortex and the medulla. These two areas secrete several hormones that have different functions. The adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol, mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone and androgens such as androstenedione. The medulla makes hormones called catecholamines. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are examples of catecholamines.

Hormone Effects

The hormones produced by the adrenal glands affect the body differently. The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service says cortsiol helps the body respond to stress and also maintains blood pressure. Aldosterone makes the body conserve more sodium and excrete more potassium. Androgens are converted to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. They regulate the development of masculine characteristics. Catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline prepare the body for action or physical activity.

Diseases

Certain diseases arise when the adrenal glands produce insufficient or large amounts of hormones. Some of these diseases are Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, pheocromocytoma, aldosteronism and adrenal virilism. Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient levels of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in the body. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive amounts of cortisol in the blood; pheochromocytoma is a condition in which there is too much adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body. Aldosteronism occurs when the adrenal glands secrete high levels of aldosterone. Adrenal virilism occurs as a result of a lot of androgens in the bloodstream.

Symptoms

A person who suffers from Addison's disease may experience hypometabolism or a slower metabolism, fatigue, weakness, discoloration of the skin or digestive symptoms like nausea. Some signs of Cushing’s syndrome are a round or moon-shaped face, a hump on the back, excessive fat around the abdomen, slim legs, high blood pressure and fragile skin. The Merck Manual Online Medical Dictionary says high blood pressure is the most important symptom of pheochromocytoma. When blood levels of aldosterone become high, you may have symptoms such as weakness, high blood pressure, fluid retention and muscle spasm. In virilization, overproduction of androgens such as testosterone leads to development of masculine features such as facial hair, which is more obvious in women.

Treatment

“Diseases and Disorders, Volume 1” by the Marshall Cavendish Corporation says treatment for adrenal disorders depends on the type of disorder. Adrenal disorders caused by tumors in the adrenal gland can be treated with surgery. Inadequate secretion of some adrenal hormones may be treated with hormone replacement therapy, as in Addison’s disease. Medications that block the action of adrenal hormones are used to treat conditions in which there is excessive secretion of adrenal hormones.