The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland regulate the amount of cortisol and aldosterone the adrenal glands produce. If the cycle is broken in any area, the adrenals produce too much or too little cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol, an important glucocorticoid hormone, affects almost every part of the body. Diseases of over-active and under-active adrenal glands include Addison's, Cushing's syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Cushing's
Too much cortisol increases the potential for developing Cushing's. Symptoms of Cushing's include mid-section weight gain, facial flushing, more visible facial and body hair, fatty hump between shoulders, fatigue, fragile skin, depression, muscle weakness and headache. Causes for developing too much cortisol leading to Cushing's disease include adrenal tumors. Removal of the tumor is one treatment option.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the level of cortisol remains below the level required for maintaining normal bodily functions. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands produce little cortisol and aldosterone. The main cause of Addison's disease as reported by the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation is due to an autoimmune reaction where the body makes antibodies against the adrenal cortex. Other causes of damage to the adrenals include chronic infections, some fungal infections, cancer and AIDS complications.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), an inherited disease of the adrenal glands, affects girls and boys. The lack of an enzyme active in synthesizing adrenal hormones leads to excessive production of androgen, a male hormone. Symptoms in girls include male characteristics such as genitals with an appearance more like a male than female and excessive hair growth. Boys may appear normal at birth, but show signs of entering into puberty by age 2 or 3. The National Institutes of Health reports a serious form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause an adrenal crisis in a newborn resulting in cardiac arrhythmias and dehydration. Genetic testing is available to confirm CAH.
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism, a disease caused by too much aldosterone, is active in maintaining the body's sodium and potassium balance. High blood pressure and low potassium levels result from the sodium-potassium imbalance. The causes for hyperaldosteronism include an enlargement of the adrenal glands and a tumor in either of the adrenals. Surgical removal of the tumor is curative, if there is only one adrenal gland involved. Medications may be required to control any remaining excess in aldosterone production. Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports medications for treatment include spironolactone and eplerenone.
