Adrenal Problems Symptoms

The adrenal glands are located at the tops of both kidneys and are responsible for producing hormones that regulate fluid and electrolyte balances and blood pressure levels. Several medical conditions affect these glands and can cause hormone deficiencies or the excess production of adrenal hormones. When the adrenal glands are not functioning normally, several adrenal problem symptoms can help doctors determine what tests to order and how to treat patients.

Addison's Disease

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, one to four out of every 100,000 people are affected by the disease. The most common symptoms of Addison's disease are weight loss, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and chronic fatigue that gets worse over time. Other possible symptoms of this condition include nausea, diarrhea, irritability, low blood glucose, sweating, headache, irregular menstrual periods in women, vomiting, low blood pressure, depression and a craving for salty foods.

Adrenal Hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a group of genetic conditions that can interfere with the production of adrenal hormones. Infant boys with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia may have enlarged penises, while girls with the condition can have ambiguous genitalia, which means that the genitals are not clearly male or female. Adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia may experience irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, rapid growth during childhood and very early puberty. Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a milder form of the condition and usually develops in late adolescence or early in adulthood. Women with this condition may experience infertility, masculine characteristics and irregular or absent menstrual periods. Both sexes can experience severe acne, low blood pressure, early puberty, nausea, fatigue, high cholesterol, obesity, low bone density and slow recovery from colds and other infections.

Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland. This causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol, which can cause easy bruising, thinning of the skin, formation of fat deposits around the upper back and stomach, roundness or puffiness of the face, fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, irregular menstrual periods, high blood pressure and brittle bones. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, this condition can also increase the amount of time it takes for injuries and infections to heal.

Adrenal Cancer

Adrenal cortical cancer occurs when a malignant tumor forms on one of the adrenal glands. The American Cancer Society indicates that this cancer is difficult to diagnose early and may only be found if a tumor has grown very large. Symptoms of adrenal cancer can be caused by male or female hormones, with each type of hormone causing a different set of symptoms. Adrenal cancer involving male hormones, or androgens, can cause enlargement of the penis or clitoris and excess growth of underarm, facial and pubic hair. Adrenal cancer involving a female hormone, or estrogen, can cause breast enlargement in boys and early puberty in girls.

Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal gland tumor that is usually benign. This kind of tumor causes the adrenal glands to produce too much epinephrine and norepinephrine. Because these hormones help to control blood pressure and cope with stress, the signs and symptoms of this condition can include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, forceful heartbeat, feelings of anxiety and feelings of extreme fright. Other signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma include profound sweating, sudden-onset headaches, abdominal pain, weight loss and pale skin.

Conn's Disease

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center defines Conn's disease as a condition in which the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of aldosterone, which is a hormone that regulates the balance of salt and water in the body. High blood pressure is the most common symptom of this condition, but people with Conn's disease can also experience weakness, excessive urination and headaches due to reduced potassium levels in the blood.