The adrenal glands are located on the top of each kidney and they secrete hormones that are responsible for regulating our sex drive, blood pressure, fluid balance and stress response. When the adrenal glands become overactive or underactive, hormone level changes can cause a number of potentially serious and widespread symptoms throughout the body.
Addison's Disease and Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency is caused by the adrenal gland's failure to produce enough of certain hormones. There are two types of adrenal insufficiency. Primary adrenal insufficiency--also called Addison's disease--is characterized by insufficient production of the hormone cortisol (and sometimes aldosterone), while secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland fails to produce enough of the hormone (adrenocorticotropin or ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service (NEMDIS) symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include chronic and worsening fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, sweating, low blood sugar, dizziness or faintness upon standing, a craving for salty foods caused by the body's loss of salt, irritability and depression. Women may also develop irregular or absent menstrual periods.
Those with primary adrenal insufficiency may also develop a darkening of the skin particularly on scars, mucous membranes (inner cheeks), skin folds or pressure points (elbows, knees, knuckles or toes).
A sudden, severe worsening of symptoms can lead to acute adrenal insufficiency (or Addisonian or adrenal crisis). Symptoms include sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs, severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. This type of attack can be fatal if left untreated, so if you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome (or hypercortisolism) occurs as the result of overproduction of the hormone cortisol by the adrenal glands. People with Cushing's tend to develop very thin limbs, an obese upper body, a rounded moon-shaped face and a hump of increased fat on the back of the neck. According to NEMDIS, other common symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, increased thirst and urination and mood changes such as irritability, depression and anxiety. The skin may also become thin and fragile, bruise easily, and heal poorly. Excess cortisol causes the bones to weaken, leading to increased risk of fractures. Women with Cushing's often have excess hair growth on the face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs and may have irregular or absent menstrual periods, while men may develop decreased sex drive and performance.
Adrenal Fatigue
According to the Mayo Clinic "adrenal fatigue" is not a medical diagnosis but rather a general term that is sometimes used colloquially to describe a set of nonspecific symptoms that may be related to adrenal gland dysfunction. These symptoms typically include body aches, digestive problems, fatigue, sleep disturbances and nervousness. The Mayo Clinic states that some believe that adrenal fatigue is a less severe form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress; however, it may also be the case that these symptoms are caused by other medical conditions like depression or fibromyalgia. Contact your doctor for a thorough examination if you are experiencing persistent and bothersome symptoms such as these.
