There are two adrenal glands and two kidneys in the body. Each kidney has an adrenal gland located above it. Adrenal glands are endocrine glands that secrete several types of hormones into the bloodstream. They secrete hormones that affect several body functions such as blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance and muscle contraction. Adrenal gland imbalance occurs when the adrenal gland produces and secretes excessive or inadequate amounts of hormones.
Pheochromocytoma
The adrenal glands secrete a class of hormones called catecholamines. Hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline are catecholamines. Adrenaline and noradrenaline prepare the body for physical activity. Pheochromocytoma is a condition that affects the adrenal gland. They are tumors in the adrenal glands that cause overproduction of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Some symptoms of pheochromocytoma are high blood pressure. The most important sign of this condition is increased heart rate, increase in respiratory rate or fast breathing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, too much sweating, chest pain and stomach pain.
Addison's Disease
The adrenal glands have two parts--the adrenal cortex and medulla. The adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and androgens. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid; cortisol is a glucocorticoid; testosterone is an androgen. The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation defines Addison's disease as a condition in which the adrenal cortex secretes insufficient amounts of hormones. Cortisol regulates the amount of water in the body, how the body responds to stress, inflammation and the glucose level in the blood. Aldosterone regulates the amount of water and electrolytes in the body.
Fatigue that worsens, loss of appetite, weight loss, orthostatic hypotension--low blood pressure characterized by dizziness upon standing up--nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are some symptoms of Addison's disease. Muscle spasms, weak muscles, a craving for salty foods and skin discoloration are other symptoms.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that involves the amount of glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal glands. In this disease, there is excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. People who suffer from this syndrome typically develop a certain look. Their faces become moon-shaped or round, they gain excessive amounts of weight around their abdomen and have slim legs. People with Cushing's syndrome may also develop a hump back. Other symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are weak muscles, thin skin that's easily bruised and difficult to heal. Fatigue, weak bones, irregular periods in women and low resistance to infection are also signs of Cushing's syndrome.
