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Adrenal Disorders

What are Adrenal Disorders?

Adrenal disorders are medical conditions affecting the adrenal glands, and can be congenital or genetic. These glands secrete different types of hormones and they are a part of the endocrine system. These hormones are:

  • Cortisol: Cortisol aids in your body's response to injury, illness and stress. It also helps to regulate your blood pressure, energy levels and blood sugar levels.
  • Adrenaline: Adrenaline helps your body prepare for a fight or flight response in stressful or dangerous situations.
  • Aldosterone: Aldosterone helps to mantain your body's blood pressure and blood volume, as well as maintaining the right level of sodium and water in your body.

Adrenal gland disorders can happen to anyone due to Imbalances in the production of these hormones. It can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Adrenal gland disorders also occur due to adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances or the presence of tumours.


Types of Adrenal Disorders

Some common adrenal gland disorders are:

  • Addison's Disease: A chronic condition that happens when your body does not produce sufficient cortisol and aldosterone. People with Addison's Disease will have symptoms such as fatigue and patches of dark skin, especially around scars or body creases.
  • Cushing Syndrome: This condition is caused by too much cortisol in the body. This may be due to the body's overproduction of the hormone or due to medication. Symptoms include excessive hair growth and being bruised easily.
  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): CAH happens when the body lacks a specific hormone the adrenal gland needs to produce hormones.


What are the symptoms of Adrenal Disorders?

Symptoms of Adrenal disorders will depend on which hormone is being affected. Do visit your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Some symptoms of adrenal gland disorders incldue:

  • Easy bruising
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Obesity
  • Skin infections

How are Adrenal Disorders diagnosed?

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase due to infection.

Imaging Tests
Abdominal imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the size and shape of the adrenal glands for abnormalities.