The adrenal glands make and release more than one hormone. The two adrenal glands in the body are each located above the kidneys. They produce hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, aldosterone and male sex hormones collectively known as androgens. The pituitary gland in the brain regulates the production of certain adrenal hormones and also produces other hormones. Disorders of the adrenal glands include insufficient hormone production, excessive hormone production and genetic disorders. These disorders may be caused by different factors.
Pituitary Disorder
The pituitary glands regulate the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. The hypothalamus is an area in the brain that secretes antidiuretic hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone. The production of these two hormones stimulate the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as ACTH. Adrenocorticotropic hormone triggers the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. If the pituitary gland is unable to produce enough ACTH, the adrenal glands will in turn produce low amounts of cortisol. This may lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency--a condition characterized by low cortisol levels. The Merck Manual Online Medical Dictionary reports that signs of this disorder are similar to those of Addison's disease with the exception of electrolyte problems and skin pigmentation.
Adrenal Tumors
The presence of tumors in the adrenal glands may cause them to overproduce certain hormones depending on where the tumor is located. The adrenal gland is divided into the adrenal cortex and medulla. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor in the adrenal medulla that causes the adrenal glands to make high amounts of catecholamines such as epinephrine. Catecholamines are a class of hormones that make the body ready for physical activity. Too much of this type of hormone such as in pheochromocytoma can cause high blood pressure.
The Mayo Clinic reports that a noncancerous tumor or an adrenal adenoma in the adrenal cortex may lead to overproduction of cortisol. This causes a disorder called Cushing's syndrome. Too much cortisol in the body makes an individual develop more fat in the abdominal areas while the legs remain slim in comparison. Thin skin, easy bruising, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels are other symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.
Genetics
Some adrenal gland malfunctions are inherited and may occur at birth. One such genetic adrenal disorder is congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It involves low cortisol and aldosterone production in the adrenal glands. It is also associated with excess production of male sex hormones by the adrenal glands. Some signs of this problem in girls are genitals that look more male than female, a lack of or irregular periods and development of male characteristics such as a deep voice. In boys, early development of masculine features such as armpit hairs at the age of 2 or 3 years old is a sign of this condition.
