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Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Diseases

The adrenal glands are two triangular organs located on the uppermost part of each kidney. Approximately 1 inch high and 3 inches long, they secrete a variety of hormones that affect chemical reactions in the body, such as adrenaline and cortisol. However, when a disease prevents the glands from functioning properly, the interference can result in an imbalanced hormonal system and health complications related to hormone excesses or deficiencies.

  1. Adrenal Gland Cancer

    • According to the American Urological Association Foundation, cancer very rarely develops on the adrenal glands; reports estimate just one or two cases arise for every one million individuals. When cancerous tumors do affect the glands, they usually cause excess production of certain hormones, and the following symptoms reflect the particular hormone in question. For example, if a tumor causes the adrenal glands to create too much cortisol, associated symptoms could include excessive hair on the body and gaining weight.

    Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

    • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a hereditary condition caused by one problematic gene, leads to insufficient production of the hormone called cortisol, possibly deficient secretion of aldosterone and overabundant creation of androgen. Resulting symptoms in mild cases may include acne, early puberty, excessive facial hair, difficulty conceiving for women, irregular menstruation and shorter height as compared to parents. Symptoms of severe cases include the mild symptoms, in addition to abnormal outer genitalia requiring surgery for girls, dehydration, low blood pressure and blood sugar, male infertility, non-cancerous tumors on males' testicles and salt deficiency.

    Cushing's Syndrome

    • Excessive cortisol production, as well as extended usage of steroids, can result in Cushing's syndrome, a disorder that primarily affects people aged 20 to 50. Symptoms include abnormal menstruation, collections of fat between the shoulders, diabetes, excess body hair, a full and round face, high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity, sexual dysfunction and weakness.

    Hyperaldosteronism

    • When the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone, which regulates the bloodstream's level of potassium and sodium, hypertension can result. This very rare disease is called hyperaldosteronism, and it strikes women between 30 and 50 most often. Hyperaldosteronism can take two forms: a non-cancerous tumor affecting one adrenal gland or abnormal growths called hyperplasia affecting both. Related symptoms may include mild hypertension, as well as constipation, excessive thirst and urination and headaches, although many people develop no symptoms at all.

    Pheochromocytoma

    • Pheochromocytoma refers to an extremely uncommon type of tumor on the inner portion of the adrenal gland called the medulla. It affects only 800 people each year in the United States, and it causes the adrenal glands to create excess amounts of epinephrine and norepinephrine, two hormones that then lead to hypertension. Symptoms may include chest pain or heart palpitations, excess sweating, fatigue, headaches, nausea and weight loss.

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