Adrenal Dysfunctioning - Adrenal Gland Malfunction

Adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped glands present on top of each kidney. An adrenal gland is divided into two parts - the adrenal cortex (outer potion) and the adrenal medulla (inner region). The adrenal cortex secretes about 30 types of steroid hormones (including cortisol and aldosterone), whereas the adrenal medulla is responsible for production of epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones. In the endocrine system, these adrenal glands function in coordination with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland for proper communication between the body cells and tissues. Overall, the adrenal glands are essential for life and are stimulated in response to stress conditions.

Adrenal Gland Problems

If there is any problem in the normal production of hormones by adrenal glands, it leads to adrenal disorders. Some of the rare diseases, for example, Addison's disease, is related to disorder of the adrenal gland. A more severe case is adrenal tumor and adrenal cancer. An insufficient production of the steroid hormones by adrenal cortex is called adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms of insufficiency disorder include depression, increased fatigue and insomnia. In case, there is malfunctioning of adrenal glands, the body losses the ability to cope up with stress. Such a condition is referred to as adrenal dysfunction or adrenal malfunction.

Adrenal Dysfunctioning: Symptoms

An individual with adrenal dysfunction produces abnormal epinephrine, which is a hormone responsible to calm down the body in times of emergencies. Excess production of epinephrine causes hormonal imbalance and exhaustion of adrenal medulla. Another condition may be too low or too high levels of cortisol. In such a condition, the patient may experience low metabolic energy, loss of appetite or increased hunger, irregular sugar level and a disturbed immune response.

The symptoms of adrenal dysfunction are skin disorders, increased fatigue, a weakened immune system, mood changes, muscle spasm, hormonal imbalance and immune-mediated disorders. If this condition remains untreated for a prolonged duration, then adrenal dysfunction may lead to weight gain, fibromyalgia, hair loss, arthritis and other chronic health problems.

Adrenal Dysfunctioning: Diagnosis and Treatment

Adrenal dysfunction is diagnosed by examining the functional status of adrenal glands. An effective method for adrenal gland evaluation is Ragland's test, in which blood pressure is measured simultaneously while lying down and standing up. An individual is diagnosed with adrenal dysfunction if his systolic blood pressure measured while lying down is higher than the pressure measured while standing. The more the amount of difference, the higher is the severity of adrenal dysfunction. Other laboratory procedures include imaging studies of the adrenal glands and hormone test of the urine, blood and plasma.

Treatment of adrenal dysfunction varies based on the cause of the problem and type of symptoms. It encompasses changes in the diet plan, reduction in stress levels and other medications (oral or intravenous injections). Maintaining a normal blood sugar level helps in the regulation of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. The main objective behind the treatment is to restore the health of adrenal glands and regulate the normal secretion of adrenal hormones. In severe cases of adrenal dysfunction, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy or surgical removal of the adrenal glands. It is always recommended to seek medical attention in case of any symptoms of adrenal dysfunction. Postponing the treatment of adrenal dysfunction may lead to life-threatening medical symptoms.