Adrenal Glands and Their Role

Adrenal glands, also referred to as suprarenal glands, are small, triangular-shaped glands situated above both kidneys. They are composed of the outer cortex region which produces and releases steroid hormones and the inner medulla which creates and releases catecholamines.

As a part of an endocrine system, these glands are known to produce and release a range of hormones that have a role in regulating the immune system, blood pressure, metabolism, the body’s response to stress, and the development of sexual characteristics in an individual.

Different Adrenal Gland Disorders or Conditions

1. Addison’s disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)- This is a condition which develops when adrenal glands produce less cortisol hormone and/or aldosterone. Its symptoms may include low blood sugar, fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, and mood fluctuations. For more details on Addison’s disease treatment in Hyderabad, schedule a visit with the experts at Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgical Centre.
2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia- This is a rarely-occurring genetic condition wherein cortisol hormones are produced in smaller amounts leading to elevation in ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) levels which further causes excess of androgen production. It can result in early puberty in males or females developing extra facial hair or having deepened voices. Some infant girls may have the genitalia of men.
3. Adrenal Gland Tumours- Mostly benign, these tumours are unusual growths on the adrenal glands that can lead to high levels of different hormones and lead to Primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s Syndrome, and Pheochromocytoma. Often, adrenal gland tumours do not cause any symptoms or need to be treated, if they are not disrupting the production of adrenal gland hormones. At Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgical Centre, adrenal tumour treatment in Hyderabad is provided by a team of experts. You can schedule a visit with the doctors for more detailed information on adrenal gland tumour removal treatments and other pituitary tumours removal treatment.
4. Cushing’s syndrome- In this adrenal gland condition, cortisol hormone levels are high. Its symptoms include weight gain around the midsection, a rounded face, slow healing cuts, hypertension, and mood changes.
5. Conn’s syndrome (Primary hyperaldosteronism)- It occurs when the adrenal gland produces excess aldosterone- the hormone that regulates blood pressure. Its symptoms are fatigue, hypertension, and low potassium levels.
6. Pheochromocytoma- It is a condition where non-cancerous tumours on adrenal glands produce too much adrenaline- the hormone that regulates fight-or-flight response. This condition can cause anxiety and panic attacks, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath.
7. Pituitary Tumours- The abnormal growths on the pituitary gland can affect the production and release of adrenal gland hormones. Tumours producing ACTH cause Cushing’s disease. Large pituitary tumours may press on the cells of the normal pituitary gland, cause deficiency of ACTH, and result in secondary adrenal insufficiency. Depending upon the kind of growth, the symptoms of this condition may include high blood sugar, hypertension, rapid heartbeat, few menstrual periods, enlarged hands and feet, and cold intolerance.
8. Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth)- This condition is seen in people assigned to females at birth and women due to high levels of androgen produced by the adrenal gland.
9. Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome (Massive Bilateral Adrenal Haemorrhage)- This syndrome leads to bleeding in the adrenal gland that can lead to acute adrenal gland failure. Usually, it is associated with a serious infection called sepsis.
10. Adrenal carcinoma- This is a malignant tumour of the adrenal gland that develops on the adrenal cortex and spreads to other body organs. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Diseases

Adrenal gland conditions may show up in different ways. The symptoms of adrenal gland conditions vary depending on the specific type of the problem and the individual’s pre-existing condition.

Often, the symptoms that are reported by people with adrenal gland conditions are:

• Skin darkening
• Nausea
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Mouth sores
• Abdominal pain
• Craving for salty foods.

The main signs indicating a problem with an adrenal gland include:

• Abdominal pain and weight loss
• Hypertension
• Weakness and fatigue.

Treatment of Adrenal Gland Conditions

Depending upon the type and severity of adrenal gland conditions the patient is having, one or more of the following solutions may be recommended by endocrinologists or adrenal gland doctors.

• Lifestyle changes- By improving sleep, having a healthy diet, managing stress, regularly exercising, and having emotional support, the damages caused by adrenal gland conditions can be undone and the overall adrenal gland function can get better.
• Hormone replacement therapy- In this therapy, the patient is provided with medications that can help regulate the disrupted levels of adrenal gland hormones.
• Surgery- Some minimally invasive surgical techniques are performed by best doctors for adrenal surgery in Hyderabad at Sree Nandaka Advanced Surgical Centre, that can help treat adrenal gland conditions where tumours develop.
• Radiation therapy- This is performed in case of cancer of the adrenal gland.