What Can Cause the Adrenal Gland to Stop Functioning?

There are two reasons why the adrenal glands can stop functioning. There could be a problem with another gland that regulates the adrenal glands, or there could be a dilemma with the adrenal glands themselves.

Function

• The adrenal glands, one on the top of each kidney, are part of the body's endocrine system. Along with other glands, according to Teens Health, the adrenal glands produce certain hormones that help the body regulate mood and stress, growth and development, blood sugar levels, and the immune system, as well as balancing salt and water levels in the body.

System Breakdown

• A plastic model of the human brain reveals its various parts.

  Adrenal glands do not work alone. The "key gland" of the endocrine system, the hypothalamus (located in the lower part of the brain) helps the pituitary gland produce a chemical (called corticotrophin) that allows the adrenal glands to create their own hormones, according to the American Urological Association Foundation. Therefore, if the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands fail to make or overproduce the chemical corticotrophin, this will lead the adrenal glands to overproduce certain hormones or not make any at all.

Adrenal Cancer

• According to the American Urological Association Foundation, cancer of the adrenal glands can prevent the glands from functioning. Tumors in the adrenal glands may "secrete excess amounts of cortisol or other adrenal products."

Symptoms

• Indicators that there may be something wrong with the adrenal glands include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Weight gain (obesity)
  • Excessive body hair
  • Menstrual abnormalities
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Osteoporosis

Diagnosis

• Physicians may perform the following tests to evaluate the adrenal glands:

  • CT Scan or MRI to assess the pituitary and/or adrenal glands
  • Blood and urine test to measure certain hormone levels
  • Extensive family history
  • Physical exam