Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Disease

Adrenal disease is a serious condition that if left untreated will eventually lead to a patient's death. Men and women are both affected by the disease, as are all age groups. Adrenal disease affects the body's ability to produce cortisol, which helps the body keep enough glucose in the bloodstream, control the cardiovascular system and maintain the body's blood pressure.

Fatigue

• A person suffering from adrenal disease will feel invariably tired. This feeling of fatigue will become chronic, affecting the individual's activity level. The person's muscles will also feel weak, and he will not be able to sustain activities that before were not a problem. Chronic fatigue can also be accompanied by dizziness upon standing, sitting or laying down.

Skin Symptoms

• People suffering from adrenal disease can develop dark patches of skin that look similar to a sun tan. These dark patches can appear on places of the body that have not been exposed to sunlight. Dark pinpoint spots can also appear on the person's face, neck and shoulders. Bluish black spots can also appear around body cavities or in the genital area.

Dietary Changes

• People who have adrenal disease often suffer decreased appetite or desire for food. With the change in eating habits, these individuals will begin to experience weight loss. Adrenal disease can also cause chronic stomach pain and nausea on a regular basis. In some cases, a person may vomit regularly. Diarrhea can also be a problem for someone with adrenal disease, which can lead to dehydration.