What Are the Causes of Overactive Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands consist of two parts: the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex regulates stress, blood sugar and blood pressure. The adrenal medulla controls adrenaline production. Various conditions can cause the adrenal glands to become overactive.

Danger

• Life threatening situations cause the adrenal medulla to produce a rush of adrenaline which heightens reaction time, strength and energy to help the body fight or run away from danger.

Exertion

• High intensity exercise causes neural messages to be sent to the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline to help the body cope with the physical demands being placed upon it.

Stimulants

• Caffeine, guarana, ephedra, sugar, prescription stimulants and alcohol as well as illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin all kick the adrenal glands into high gear, which is what causes the flood of energy and feeling of euphoria.

Tumors

• Carcinoma tumors in the adrenal cortex can cause the gland to overproduce cortisol. Pheochromocytoma, or an adrenal medulla tumor, may cause an excess of adrenaline to be released into the bloodstream.

Adrenal Failure

• Ironically, adrenal glands that become completely depleted and fail experience a hyper phase right before failure in which they pump out hormones before finally exhausting.