What Are the Causes of Adrenal Dysfunction?

The adrenal glands are two walnut-sized glands that sit on top of each kidney. Though small, these glands play a critical role in releasing stress support chemicals and regulating blood sugar, sex hormones, blood pressure, immune and inflammatory response.

Tumors

• Cancerous adrenal cortex tumors called carcinoma, as well as tumors in the pituitary gland, can cause the cortex to overproduce cortisol. Pheochromocytoma, or tumor in the adrenal medulla, may create an excess of adrenaline.

Stress

• Chronic stress causes your adrenal glands to pump out stress hormones constantly, causing wear and tear on your adrenal glands. This leads to adrenal dysfunction in which the glands can't produce sufficient hormones anymore.

Diet

• A diet high in sugar, simple carbohydrates, alcohol or stimulants like caffeine leads to adrenal dysfunction. These foods cause the blood sugar to spike. In order to regulate glucose levels, the adrenal cortex must produce excess cortisol. This leads to adrenal fatigue over time.

ACTH

• Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) , a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, encourages the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. If ACTH production is insufficient, adrenal gland function will be disrupted.

Prevention

• By eating small meals consisting of complex carbs, lean protein and lots of fresh vegetables, by exercising regularly and reducing stress, you greatly reduce the demands placed on your adrenal glands and can prevent or even reverse adrenal dysfunction.