Adrenal Gland Symptoms

Symptoms of adrenal gland disorders are dependent on the part of the adrenal glands affected and the hormones produced. In many cases, mild hormone overproduction will not lead to symptoms. Symptoms can fall into a variety of categories, such as:

The symptoms of Cushing’s disease are related to the overproduction of cortisol, and include:

• A lump of fat between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
• Diabetes
• Excess body hair
• Facial swelling (sometime called moon face)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Obesity
• Sexual dysfunction
• Weakness (loss of strength)

Symptoms of pheochromocytoma are related to the overproduction of epinephrine and norepinephrine, such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Excessive perspiration
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Pale skin or pallor
• Tremor
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness (loss of strength)

Addison’s disease occurs when there is damage to the adrenal gland and it is unable to produce enough hormones. Symptoms include:

• Changes in blood pressure
• Craving for salt
• Darkening of the skin
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Nausea and decreased appetite
• Pale skin or pallor
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness (loss of strength)

Hyperaldosteronism is related to excess secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates electrolyte levels. Symptoms of hyperaldosteronism include:

• Changes in mood, personality or behavior
• Constipation
• Decreased blood pressure when standing
• Feeling very thirsty
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Weakness (loss of strength)

Symptoms of adrenal gland cancer can include the symptoms of any of the above disorders, as well as additional symptoms, depending on the part of the adrenal glands affected. Possible symptoms include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Masculinization
• Thinning and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis)
• Unexplained weight gain

In some cases, adrenal gland disorder symptoms can be serious and should be immediately evaluated. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including:

• Extreme fatigue
• Extreme weakness (loss of strength)

In many cases of hormone excess, adrenal gland disorders arise from either a benign growth or tumor of the adrenal glands. These conditions are not hereditary, and in many cases, the cause of the tumor or growth is not known. Specific adrenal gland disorders can result from various causes including:

Cortisol overproduction can arise from problems with the pituitary gland (which produces adrenal gland stimulating hormones) or the adrenal glands themselves, such as:

• Adrenal gland tumor
• Pituitary gland tumor
• Steroid use
• Tumors of other endocrine glands or other parts of the body

Pheochromocytoma is very rare, and generally occurs due to a benign tumor or growth in the medulla, or core, of the adrenal glands.

Hyperaldosteronism symptoms result from the overproduction of the hormone aldosterone, generally due to hyperplasia (or excess growth) in the adrenal glands. It can also result from a benign tumor.

Addison’s disease results from an insufficiency of hormone production by the adrenal gland. It occurs when the gland is damaged or dysfunctional. Causes include:

• Autoimmune disease
• Infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis
• Severe bleeding
• Tumors

The risk factors for developing adrenal gland tumors and growths are often not known, but may include steroid abuse and family or personal history of endocrine disorders. The development of adrenal gland disorders is heavily dependent on the part of the adrenal glands affected. People with autoimmune disorders are at an increased risk for autoimmune disorders of the adrenal glands.

In mild cases, adrenal gland disorders may require no treatment. When high blood pressure or diabetes arises from adrenal gland disorders, medication to control these conditions may be administered. In severe cases, the tumor or growth leading to adrenal gland malfunction may be surgically removed. In cases of adrenal cancer, chemotherapy may be employed. Following treatment, hormone therapy may be used to correct hormone imbalances. Treatment for adrenal gland disorders is usually very successful.

In most cases, the symptoms of adrenal gland disorders are mild and may not even require treatment. In some cases, however, symptoms of adrenal gland disorders can affect other systems, leading to serious, even life-threatening complications. This is especially true in cases in which electrolyte balance is affected. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of adrenal gland disorders include:

• Damage to other internal organs, such as kidneys, brain or heart
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Stroke