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Adrenal Disorder

Your adrenal glands produce hormones that are vital to your health and wellness. However, if you have an adrenal disorder that unsafely elevates or inhibits your activity levels, you or your child could experience a variety of disruptive symptoms. At MI PEDS in Livonia, Michigan, double board-certified pediatric endocrinologist Michael Wood, MD, and our team diagnose adrenal disorders and provide customized treatments. 

Adrenal Disorder Q & A

 

What are the adrenal glands?

Your adrenal glands are located above your kidneys. Each gland has two regions, the medulla, and the cortex. The medulla makes hormones that control the way your body responds to stress. 

The cortex makes some of the hormones that regulate your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, growth, and some sexual characteristics. The cortex also makes steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and testosterone. 

 

What are the common adrenal gland disorders?

One of the most common adrenal disorders is an abnormal growth on the adrenal gland. You could have benign nodules or growths or a cancerous tumor. Adrenal cancer can trigger the over-production of the adrenal hormones.

You could also have adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, or an overactive adrenal disorder such as Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma, or primary hyperaldosteronism. 

 

What are the signs of an adrenal gland disorder?

The symptoms of adrenal gland disorders vary depending on whether your disease causes too much or too little activity. For example, signs of adrenal insufficiency include:

  • Weakness

  • Fatigue

  • Weight loss

  • Decreased appetite

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Cravings for salty food

  • Dizziness when you stand up

 

However, if you have a condition that stimulates hyperactivity, you might have symptoms including:

  • Weight gain with noticeable fat accumulation on the abdomen

  • Easy bruising and slow wound healing

  • Thinning skin

  • Round face

  • Fatigue

  • High blood pressure

  • Increased blood sugar

  • Muscle weakness

  • Irritability, anxiety, and mood disorders

  • Acne

  • Increased thirst and urination

 

You also might not have any noticeable symptoms at all. In many cases, adrenal gland tumors or abnormalities are diagnosed during scans and tests for other issues. 

 

How are adrenal disorders treated?

Treatment for adrenal disorders depends on the type and severity of your condition. For example, our team may prescribe medicine to regulate your adrenal gland function and lifestyle adjustments to reduce your symptoms and improve overall body function. 

If necessary, we may recommend radiation therapy or surgery to either get rid of abnormal growth or damage part of the gland to reduce hormone production. 

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