Addisons Disease is a disorder that results when the adrenal glands produce an insufficient amount of cortisol and often aldosterone. Cortisol is a hormone that helps slow inflammation response of the immune system, helps maintain heart function and blood pressure, and balances insulin’s roll in breaking sugar down into energy. A lack of production is also known as an adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism. It can occur at any age, but more commonly affects those ages 30 to 50 years. This condition can be life threatening.

Symptoms of this disorder develop slowly and can take up to several months to appear. Most common symptoms include low blood pressure or fainting, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Some symptoms of the disease can appear suddenly and could be signs of acute adrenal failure known as Addisonian Crisis. These symptoms can include pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs, severe vomitting or diarrhea that lead to dehydration, loss of consciousness or hyperkalemia.

The two adrenal glands are located directly above each of the kidneys and are composed of two sections. The interior or medulla produces hormones that are adrenaline like and the outer layer or cortex produces corticosteroids. The hormones produced by the cortex are essential. Both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are necessary for life. Glucocorticoids influence the body’s ability to turn food into energy and play a part in the immune system’s inflammatory response to react to stress. Mineralocorticoids maintain the body’s level of potassium to sodium to water and keep blood pressure regulated. Addison’s disease occurs after damage to the cortex. When the adrenal glands fail and adrenocortical hormones are not produced, the immune system weakens and views the adrenal cortex as a foreign body. It then attacks and attempts to destroy it. It can also occur if the adrenal gland is nonfunctioning. Injury, infection, or illness can all result in this disease.

Diagnosis can be difficult but achievable after laboratory tests confirm the level of cortisol in the body. X-rays of the pituitary and adrenal glands are taken to look for possible causes. An ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test is the only specific test for this disease. Cortisol levels are examined from both blood and urine before and after an injection of this hormone is given. If there is no response to the injections, an adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed. Other tests like a tuberculosis skin test can indicate calcium deposits which are signs of adrenal issues.

Treatments for Addisons Disease may involve corticosteroid prescriptions to replace the ones that are not being produced by the body. Cortef replaces cortisol, while Florinef replaces the aldosterone that is under produced. Taking these medications orally only mimics the normal amount the body produces. Injections are necessary with surgeries or illness that can cause vomiting and reduce the amount that is received. With Addisonian crisis, IV injections or hydrocortisone, saline and dextrose are used to replenish the system and stabilize blood pressure. Both types of Addisons Disease are treated solely with medication.

Can you recognize adrenal gland problems? Did you know that the adrenal glands help you deal with stress? The stresses of today just do not let up. They just keep on coming regardless of how you feel or what you have to do. Adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system that helps you maintain balance in your body. When you get out of balance or sync, something has to pickup that slackness in you. Hormones step in and try to balance the body out. Sometimes they overproduce and sometimes they under produce. Regardless of which, problems arise. Those problems can lead to disorders and there are a lot of adrenal gland disorders. So, let’s take a further look. The adrenal gland disorders are as follows:

1. Pheochromocytoma – usually means a tumor in the adrenal medulla which causes the secretion of too much epinephrine or norepinephrine. This results in an increase in blood pressure. Alpha and beta blockers medications may be prescribed. Surgical removal of said tumor may be recommended. If the tumor is inoperable, chemotherapy, radiation, or ablation may be recommended.
2. Cushing’s syndrome – can be a result of a tumor in the pituitary gland that is producing too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or an adrenal tumor producing too much cortisol. Treatment may be the removal of the pituitary or adrenal tumor. Lifelong replacement drugs, such as, glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids may be prescribed.
3. Pituitary adenoma – the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland regulates the hormones of the body. It is a brain tumor. Most of them are benign and are referred to as “adenomas.” The adenomas can be referred to as “micro” (small) or “macro” (large). Treatment is dependent upon several factors, such as: patients’ age and health, size of said tumor, and how invasive it is.
4. Hyperaldosteronism – means there is too much aldosterone and blood pressure increases. Aldosterone controls the sodium and potassium levels in the body. It signals the kidneys when to excrete less sodium and increase potassium excretion. Aldosterone production is regulated by corticotropics and renin-angiotension-aldosterone system. Renin is a kidney produced enzyme that controls the activation of angiotensin (hormone) that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce aldosterone. This creates a cycle. Aldactone is usually prescribed to treat the high blood pressure.
5. Addison’s disease – when the immune system attacks and destroys the adrenal cortex. There is a deficiency of aldosterone in the body, so large amounts of sodium are excreted and large amounts of potassium are retained. The kidneys can’t concentrate urine, so you urinate excessively which can lead to dehydration. Treat with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
6. Adrenal gland tumors – are abnormal masses of tissue or growth of cells in the adrenal glands causing cortisol levels to decrease. Treatment is the removal of the tumor or tumors.

Adrenal gland problems are hard to catch because there are so many diseases that are similar to, or related to, adrenal gland disorders.

A pituitary adenoma is a benign growth hat occurs in the pituitary gland. They are small tumors and are often undiagnosed. They are usually non cancerous and will not spread outside of the skull. Tumors can be nonfunctioning or functioning. There are more than one type of functioning pituitary tumors. Each tumor is classified based on the hormone that is secreted. Tumors in the pituitary can create excess prolactin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropin or the hormone thyroxine. Functioning tumors that produce adrenocorticotropin trigger the adrenal gland to produce extra corticoid steroids which can lead to the condition Cushing’s Syndrome. A pituitary microadenoma is a benign growth that is smaller than 10 millimeters in size. The majority of tumors are microadenomas. A macroadenoma is a benign growth that is larger than 10 millimeters in size.

The pituitary gland sits in the middle of the sella turcica and directly beneath the optic nerves. When the gland enlarges, visual disturbances or headaches can occur. Each type of adenoma produces different symptoms based on the hormone that is being made and based on size. Symptoms can range from restlessness, vomiting, dizziness, and tiredness. The most common pituitary tumors are those that release prolactin and can cause side effects of infertility, loss of sexual interest, and changes in menstruation. Each type of adenoma will result in a completely different set of symptoms and will guide a physician in the proper diagnosis. The most common side effects reported are headache, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, constipation, seizures, or unexpected weight loss or gain.

Diagnosis of adenomas is made after discussing medical history, current medications, family medical history, and physical examination for signs. Tests can include blood tests for hormone measure, CT scans, eye exams, and sinus sampling. Generally a MRI is ordered first to check for the progression of the tumor. Examining the size of the tumor as well as the damage to surrounding areas and location will give the physician the best idea of which treatment options are best.

The exact cause of an adenoma in the pituitary is unknown. Some can be inherited and some are associated with changes in DNA. An over exposure to cancer causing substances can also result in a tumor. Family medical history that shows these tumors increases the risk of development. Those with other conditions include high blood pressure, kidney stones, diabetes, and thyroid disease have an increased risk in developing these tumors.

Observation, medications, and surgery are the most common treatments used for pituitary adenoma. Treatment is only considered for tumors that grow or cause symptoms. Around 70% of tumors are nonfunctioning and do not require treatment. Medications that block hormone secretion can be useful in shrinking some tumors. Surgery is an option but the type of tumor determines how effective the procedure will be. Transphenoidal endoscopic tumors are removed through the nasal passage. More complicated or large tumors can be removed through an incision in the skull. Chemotherapy and radiation are options for treatment of a pituitary adenoma if the tumor has spread or persist.

Cushings Syndrome is a condition that exposes the body to high levels of cortisol hormone for an extended time. It can be caused by prolonged exposure to medications or by the bodies natural production. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. It is most commonly found in the lining of body organs like the breasts, stomach, lungs, and bowels.

Symptoms of this disease include skin conditions like acne, easy bruising, or purple marks on the abs, thighs, and breasts. Other symptoms include impotence in men, heave menstrual cramps in women, weight gain, and weakness. Mental changes are also possible. More serious symptoms can include high blood pressure, fatigue, bone pain or tenderness, and muscle atrophy. Sexual hormones can change and cause a loss of sexual interest as well as erectile dysfunction in men or irregular facial hair growth in women. Physical changes can include a fatty hump between the shoulders or central weight gain that doesn’t affect the arms or legs.

Diagnosis begins with laboratory tests that confirm high levels of cortisol. Urine tests and blood tests are effective in monitoring this level. Low potassium levels, and high levels of blood sugar and white blood cells counts are possible. When searching for the cause of the disease, and MRI of the pituitary or abdominal CT may be ordered. Removal of the tumor is possible, but there is a chance the condition can return. Cushings Syndrome can be life threatening if untreated.

The most common cause is a side effect to taking multiple doses of anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or asthma. It can also be caused by the natural production of too much cortisol in the adrenal glands. This is stimulated by the ACTH hormone produced in the pituitary gland. Tumors of the pituitary or adrenal glands can often result in this condition.

Treatment for Cushings Syndrome is dependent on the cause of the condition. If it is caused by corticosteroid exposure, a slow decrease from the medication is supervised. It is not recommended to remove the medicine from the body all at once for risk of a life threatening adrenal crisis. Medication can be changed from a long acting steroid to a shorter one like hydrocortisone or can prescribed for every other day use. If the condition is caused by pituitary tumors, the best chance of recovery is the surgical removal of the tumor known as transsphenoidal adenomectomy. It is possible for the condition to return after the operation and surgery can be repeated. If caused by adrenal tumors, the affected glad must be removed is cancerous and daily hormone replacement is prescribed. If the tumors are located in the lungs or other body organs, the tumor tissue must be destroyed. A combination of treatments includeing radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery are required. Because of the risk for developing heart attack and stroke, Cushings syndrome treatments begins immediately.

An adrenal gland tumor occurs when abnormal growth within a patient’s adrenal gland forms into a mass. These masses can be either malignant or benign. The adrenal glands are located on top of a person’s kidneys and are important in the body’s hormonal system. The glands are split into two parts which function individually. The adrenal cortex is the outer part of the gland and completes synthesis of cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. The adrenal medulla is the interior of the gland and is responsible for creating three separate hormones: dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Tumors can be classified as functioning or non-functioning depending on whether the glands continue to produce hormones. Nearly all (99%) adrenal tumors are non-functioning and are called an adenoma or adrenocortical adenoma tumor. These noncancerous masses affect the adrenal cortex and do not require treatment in many cases. Other more serious types of adrenal tumors are adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and neuroblastoma, which is a rare type of childhood cancer.

Although the cause of adrenal tumors is not known, certain risk factors do exist that heighten the likelihood of the condition. The primary risk factor are hereditary conditions. Patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Carney complex or a family history of adrenal tumors should consult a doctor every year to test for new developments. Age is also an potential risk factor. While a person of any age can develop a adrenal tumor, the average age is commonly between 45 and 50. In addition, behavioral changes, such as the decision to quit smoking, can help lessen the risk of adrenal tumors.

The detection of adrenal tumors can be difficult as often a patient does not show any noticeable symptoms. For those patients that do exhibit symptoms, the most common are as follows: high blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, excessive sweating, abdominal aches, unplanned weight gain or loss, abdominal stretch marks, lowered potassium levels, headaches, diabetes, weakness, pronounced hair growth, change in sex drive, or unfamiliar acne. The uncommon cases of pheochromocytoma may also be evidenced by an unsafe hormonal surge that may result in heart attacks, hemorrhaging, strokes, or even sudden death.

A local physician will use a battery of tests to diagnose adrenal tumors and after detection, there are some treatment options available. The physician will help a patient decide on the best plan depending on the size, location, whether it has spread, and the patient’s health. For sufferers that require medical intervention, the most common treatment methods are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The surgical process, adrenalectomy, is the physical removal of the adrenal gland that contains the tumor. Depending on the size of the tumor, laparoscopic surgery may be done to remove the mass. Chemotherapy is the process of taking medications in order to kill the cancerous cells. Radiation therapy is the process of using high energy x-rays to kill the cells. Each treatment methods has specific advantages and disadvantages and a local physician will help a patient determine the best way to deal with an adrenal gland tumor.

Pheochromocytoma develops in the adrenal gland and is a rare tumor. There are two adrenal glands in the body, and are a part of the endocrine system. Each is located above one of the two kidneys. They produce hormones that are important to every tissue and organ in the body. This condition is characterized by glands that produce too much of the hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine and results in raising the heart rate and blood pressure. It can be a life threatening condition if it is looked over or untreated. This condition can develop at any point in a persons life. An attack of symptoms can be experienced sporadically and as the tumor grows, the severity and frequency of symptoms increases. It occurs most frequently in adults between the ages of 30 to 60 years old.

Symptoms of this condition are numerous and include abdominal pain, flushing, irritability, sweating, nervousness, sleeping difficulty and severe headache. Symptoms that are related more to the heart include chest pain, rapid heart rate, and palpitations. As the tumor produces excess chemicals known as catecholamines, symptoms will develop. These hormones can be released intermittently or continuous. Symptoms can change depending on the rate of excretion. It is important to consult a physician if there are symptoms of extreme headache or if controlling the blood pressure becomes difficult. Vitals signs are monitored and CT scans, MRIs of the abdominal cavity, glucose tests, and an adrenal gland biopsy can be requested. Tumors that are benign can be removed and less than 10% of patients see a recurrence of problems. In patients with cancerous tumors, the cancer often spreads to the bones, lungs, and liver and includes a higher risk of fatality.

The cause of this condition starts with the chromaffin cell. These cell are found in the core of the adrenal gland are the source of the problem. In most cases this condition only affects one of the adrenal glands, but can develop in both glands in some cases. It can occur alone or in combination with other disorders. The most common conditions that are associated include tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. A specific genetic mutation could be the cause, so patients that have a family medical history of the disease should be tested early.

Medications that treat pheochromocytoma include beta blockers and alpha blockers. Beta blockers block beta adrenergic and make the heart rate slow with little force. They affect the norepinephrine hormone and slows the nerve impulses that travel through the heart. As it slows, less oxygen is required and the heart doesn’t work as hard. They also slow the release of renin from the kidneys and help dilate the blood vessels. Alpha blockers affect norepinephrine from triggering the muscles of the veins and allowing the vessel walls to constrict. They are alpha adrenergic blocking agents that improve blood flow. They are usually prescribed to return the blood pressure to normal and followed up by beta blockers that control the irregular heartbeat. Other options include surgery to remove the adrenal gland or laparoscopic surgery. Surgery may not be an option for every patient if the tumor has spread or is growing. If pheochromocytoma is cancerous, radiation and chemotherapy may also be required.

The main signs of primary aldosteronism are: high blood pressure that requires several medicines to control or hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is high blood pressure with a low level of potassium.

Physical symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, headache, numbness, and possible intermittent paralysis. In some persons, the low levels of potassium in the blood can result in frequent urination with an increase in volume, especially during the evening. It generally affects persons between the ages of 30 to 50 years. Patients with diabetes, family history of high blood pressure, or those who are smokers or overweight are at an increased risk for developing the condition.

Blood tests can be examined to determine the diagnosis for primary aldosteronism. The most common test is a aldosterone-renin test. Plasma renin stimulates aldosterone production in the adrenal glands. A high level could indicate specific issues. Salt loading is a process where sodium levels are checked in urine after three days of a high sodium diet. Saline loading is a sodium and water mixture that is infused into the bloodstream for multiple hours before levels are tested. FST is a combination of a high sodium diet and fludrocortisone supplements for three days, at which time the blood is measured for a level of aldosterone. This exam works because fludrocortisones mimic the action of aldosterone. After a positive diagnosis from these exams, adrenal vein sampling or CT scans can be required to identify the tumor and determine the correct treatment.

The most common cause of primary aldosteronism is an adrenal adenoma. These enlargements or growths are benign. The adrenal glands are located directly above the kidneys and control much of what happens in the body. Along with aldosterone, they produce hormones that regulate the immune system, metabolism, and other essential functions. In rare cases, genetic mutations, cancerous growths in the cortex or outer layer of the adrenal gland, or a rare type of aldosteronism known as glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism or GRA. Medical history of a persons family plays a big part in diagnosis.

Treatments for hyperaldosteronism depend on the cause of the condition. When primary aldosteronism is caused by an overactive adrenal gland, lifestyle changes and medications are an effective treatment. Aldactone helps correct blood pressure and low potassium issues by blocking aldosterone in the body. Additional medications may be required to regulate blood pressure. Lifestyle changes include a low sodium diet and exercise. Surgery is an option to remove the adrenal gland if necessary to permanently regulate blood pressure and potassium deficiency in persons with hyperaldosteronism.

Do you suffer from an adrenal gland disorder? What are adrenal glands and where are they located in the body? There are 2 adrenal glands found in our bodies. Each one is located above each kidney.
There are several parts to the adrenal gland. They are:

• Adrenal medulla, which is the inner portion of the gland. This part helps cope with stress. It secretes 2 hormones:

1. Epinephrine (adrenalin) – increases the contractions of the cardiac muscle; therefore, increasing cardiac output; increasing the blood flow to the brain and muscles. Plus, it helps to increase blood sugar by converting glycogen to glucose in the liver
2. Norepinephrine (noradrenalin) – increases cardiac function which increases blood pressure.

• Adrenal cortex, which is the outer portion of the gland. It is essential to life. It helps to maintain water volume and sodium levels. It secretes:

1. Glucocorticoids – cortisone and hydrocorticoids
2. Mineralocorticoids – aldosterone
3. Adrenosterones – adrenal androgens

There are 4 Disorders of the Adrenal Glands. They are:

1. Hyperaldosteronism – too much aldosterone secreted by the adrenal cortex.
2. Cushing’s disease – too much cortisol secreted by the adrenal cortex.
3. Addison’s disease – too little cortisol secreted by the adrenal cortex.
4. Pheochromocytoma – too much catecholamines secreted by the adrenal medulla.

So far, we have covered the adrenal gland disorders, the adrenal disorder symptoms, and the adrenal disorder treatments. If you are looking for more information about can help you impotence or ED problems.

What are the adrenal disorder symptoms? They are:

1. Hyperaldosteronism – increased blood pressure (hypertension), decreased potassium (hypokalemia), decreased urine (polyuria), increased Sodium (hypernatremia) which leads to excess thirst (polydipsia), fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness. Women experience menstrual irregularities and men experience enlarged breast, decreased libido, and impotence.
2. Cushing’s Disease – increased blood pressure (hypertension), increased glucose levels (hyperglycemic), weight gain or obese, thin extremities (arms and legs), thick trunk (stomach), moon or rounded face, buffalo hump (fat pad on back of neck), hirsutism (excessive hair growth on face), and bruise easy.
3. Addison’s disease – decreased blood pressure, decreased glucose levels (hypoglycemic), decrease sodium levels (hyponatremia), increased potassium levels (hyperkalemia), decrease water volume (hypovolumia) due to the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, weight loss, and anorexia.
4. Pheochromocytoma – increased blood pressure (hypotension), increased glucose levels (hyperglycemic), decreased urine, rapid heart rate, increased respirations, excessive sweating, severe, sudden headaches, and weight loss.

What adrenal disorder treatments are available? They are:

1. Hyperaldosteronism – usually the first medication used will be Lactones for treatment of the high blood pressure. If there is an adrenal tumor, it will be removed.
2. Cushing’s disease – the removal of the adrenal or pituitary tumor called an adrenalectomy. If this happens, you will require lifelong drug replacement therapy, such as: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
3. Addison’s disease – the fluid and electrolyte balance needs to be restored and start on high sodium, low potassium diet. If an Addisonian Crisis occurs, seek medical help. An IV solution of Sodium Chloride must be started along with the administration of hydrocortisone or epinephrine.
4. Pheochromocytoma – alpha or beta blocks medications are prescribed. Surgery to remove the adrenal gland. If it is inoperable, then chemo, radiation, or ablation.

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