The adrenal glands secrete hormones that have various functions. They make and release corticosteroids, catecholamines, mineralocorticoids and androgens. These hormones affect blood pressure, fluid balance, electrolyte balance, immune response and appearance. High or low levels of these hormones in the body may indicate adrenal gland problems. Diseases like Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, virilism and peochromocytoma are all problems that arise from the adrenal glands.
Low Activity
Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency are both problems associated with inadequate secretion of hormones from the adrenal glands. Hormones like cortisol, which is a corticosteroid; aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid; epinephrine, which is a catecholamine; and testosterone, an androgen are secreted by the adrenal glands. Insufficient amounts of these hormones can lead to several problems in the body including weight loss, low blood pressure, skin discoloration or pigmentation, muscle weakness, tiredness that keeps getting worse, salt craving and low blood sugar. Mayo Clinic reports that symptoms of Addison's disease may occur suddenly and can manifest as loss of consciousness, as well as hyperkalemia or high potassium levels in the blood.
Hyperactivity
Pheochromocytoma and hyperaldosteronism are both problems that occur when the adrenal glands produce large amounts of catecholamines and aldosterone. Catecholamines like epinephrine put the body in action mode. They cause blood pressure to go up and speed up the rate at which the heart beats. Aldosterone, on the other hand, is a hormone that regulates the balance between sodium and potassium. It promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion.
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the adrenal glands that stimulates them to release excessive amounts of catecholamines. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that high blood pressure is the most significant sign of this problem. Some signs of hyperaldosteronism are high blood pressure, fluid retention and muscle weakness. They occur as a result of excess aldosterone, which leads to high sodium and low potassium levels.
Genetic Problems
Adrenal problems that individuals are born with are congenital or genetic in nature. MedlinePlus states that congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an inherited disorder of the adrenal glands. In this disorder, the adrenal glands are unable to make adequate quantities of aldosterone and cortisol. Instead, they make more androgens and this leads to the development of masculine features in girls. Signs of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in girls include ambiguous genitalia--genitals that look more like that of male's than female's, a deep voice, excessive hair growth and abnormal or absent periods. Early development of male characteristics is a sign of this disorder in males.
