Adrenal Gland Symptoms

Adrenal glands produce a number of hormones that help the body work efficiently. If the glands do not work correctly, certain symptoms will occur that will point to a disorder in the body. Read on for information about adrenal gland disorders, symptom and treatments.

Significance

• The adrenal glands produce various hormones in the body, and are located near the top of each kidney. There are two adrenal glands, one for each kidney, with each being only about 3 inches wide. Some of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands are considered steroids. Aldosterone is a hormone that preserves sodium ion and water in the human body. Another hormone is cortisol, which increases blood glucose levels. A third group are the sex hormones--androgen for men and estrogen for women. These hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex. Hormones from the adrenal medulla produce two hormones in reaction to stressful situations that occur in everyday living.

Adrenal Fatigue

• Adrenal fatigue and exhaustion produce a number of symptoms. It means that the glands are not functioning properly due to periods of illness or stress on the body. Some symptoms are excessive fatigue or exhaustion, anxiety, cravings for salty and/or sweet foods, difficulty concentrating, low blood pressure and sensitivity to colds. The hormones that control blood sugar help to maintain the energy in the body and fight stress, often called the "fight or flight" response. In adrenal fatigue, not enough cortisol, the "stress hormone," is produced by the adrenal glands. There as several tests that can be administered by medical professionals to measures the level of this hormone.

Types

• There are several diseases that are caused by the adrenal glands not functioning properly. One is Addison's disease , caused by not enough cortisol being produced. People with this disease often feel weak or tired after sitting down or lying down for long periods of time. Sometimes they develop dark patches on their skin. Black freckles can develop on the face and shoulders. Some develop muscle aches, lose weight, suffer from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It is treated by a doctor with corticosteroids and intravenous fluids.
  Hyperaldosteronism happens when the adrenal glands produce too much adlosterone, which leads to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and weakness and tingling in arms and legs. It is sometimes caused by a tumor on the adrenal glands. Symptoms also include always being thirsty and urinating frequently. Treatment often involves the surgical removal of a tumor or a prescribed medications.

Features

• The adrenal glands are located in the connective tissue near the kidneys, and are buried in fat. Glands have an inner region called the adrenal medulla, and an outer region called the adrenal cortex that secrets different hormones. The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine help increase the rate and force of the heart's contractions, constrict blood vessels and dilate eye pupils, functions that are important in stressful situations. It helps blood flow to the muscles and the brain. The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands restrict the loss of sodium in the blood, and often affect the salivary and sweat glands, as well as the colon. These hormones have an influence on the immune system and on the development of the fetus during pregnancy (especially the development of the lungs). The adrenal glands work with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to keep things running smoothly.

Treatments

• There are number of traditional treatments for adrenal gland symptoms, such as prescribed oral medications, surgery or radiation treatments. Some disorders require a combination of more than one treatment. Some doctors offer alternative treatments for adrenal gland disorders like fatigue and exhaustion. They include a healthy diet and vitamin B supplements, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, and using herbs like chamomile and lemon balm tea.
  Always consult a doctor with expertise in adrenal glands before proceeding with any treatments.