The adrenal glands produce hormones and are found above the kidneys. These organs are associated with diseases that occur as a result of hormone imbalance. These conditions may be due to excessive or low amounts of the hormones associated with the adrenal gland. Several hormones are produced in the adrenal glands and some of them are cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamines such as epinephrine, and androgens. Imbalances of any of these adrenal hormones are associated with certain symptoms.
Symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance
Cortisol has several vital functions in the body. For one, it helps regulate the body's blood pressure and cardiovascular system--heart and blood vessels. It also regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. Additionally, cortisol reduces inflammation in the body and controls how carbohydrates, fats and proteins are broken down in the body. When this hormone is too high, Cushing's syndrome occurs. Addison's disease is the result of low cortisol levels in the body.
Some symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are high blood pressure and thin skin--which leads to easy bruising and wounds that don't heal quickly. Patients who have this disease typically have a round or moon face, increased fat in their abdominal areas and more fat around their necks and upper backs.
In Addison's disease, low blood pressure occurs along with chronic tiredness that gets worse over time. Weak muscles, weight loss and loss of appetite are also signs of this condition.
Symptoms of Aldosterone Imbalance
The main function of aldosterone is to maintain salt and water balance in the body. It also maintains the body's blood pressure level. This hormone works by determining how much sodium is reabsorbed by the body and the amount of potassium that the body disposes of. Small or no amounts of this hormone may be seen in Addison's disease, while hyperaldosteronism occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce aldosterone.
The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service reports that low amounts of aldosterone lead to a drop in the amount of blood in the body and a decrease in blood pressure. On the other hand, when the body is exposed to high levels of this hormone, blood volume increases along with blood pressure.
Catecholamine Imbalance
Catecholamines include hormones such as epinephrine and dopamine. These hormones are referred to as "fight or flight" hormones because they put the body in action mode. They help the body get ready for physical activity. Pheochromocytomas are tumors that can grow in the adrenal glands. These tumors overproduce catecholamine hormones. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the most important symptom of the hormone imbalance is high blood pressure.
