The adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney, are small organs that are responsible for the production and release of many different hormones such as sex hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. A malfunction of the adrenal glands caused by disease, tumors of the gland or problems with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain or the pituitary gland that controls hormone production in the adrenal glands, can lead to underproduction or overproduction of vital hormones. Disorders of the adrenal glands include Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, hyperaldosteronism and tumors.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is caused the adrenal glands producing too much cortisol. Cortisol, also called the stress hormone, is a steroid hormone that is important for breaking down glucose into energy for the body, blood pressure regulation, insulin release, immune function and the inflammatory response.
Patients with Cushing's syndrome are characterized by a round, full face, known as a moon face, and a hump between the shoulders caused by fat deposits. Other symptoms include obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, weakness, excessive body hair and sexual dysfunction.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is usually caused by a problem with the immune system that leads to damage of the adrenal glands, causing them to produce insufficient amounts of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
The symptoms of Addison's disease include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Patients may also experience darkening of the skin, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Center, especially on scars and pressure points, including the elbows, knees, knuckles and toes. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, irritability, a craving for salt, headache and sweating.
Hyperaldosteronism
Aldersterone, the hormone responsible for sodium and potassium levels in the blood, is produced and released by the adrenal glands. Hyperaldosteronism, the overproduction of this hormone, can be caused by abnormal growth within both adrenal glands or by a benign tumor on one gland.
Patients with hyperaldosteronism will have high blood pressure (hypertension) and may experience severe drops in blood pressure as they stand up from a lying position. Other symptoms include constipation, muscle weakness, excessive urination, excessive thirst, headache and mood changes.
Tumors
An overproduction of hormones may also be caused by adrenal gland cancerous tumors. However, according to UrologyHealth.org, this type of cancer is very rare, occurring in only one or two per one million people. Symptoms may be similar to Cushing's syndrome, or different depending on the hormone that is being overproduced.
Pheochromocytoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the medulla portion of the adrenal gland. These tumors typically cause an overproduction of epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that affect blood pressure. Symptoms, therefore, include high blood pressure, headaches, heart palpitations and unexplained sweating.
