Adrenal Gland Disorders - Knowing The Types!

Small endocrine glands, which are located on top of each kidney are known as Adrenal glands. These Adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood sugar, stress and sexual functions. Any problems in the pituitary gland can affect the Adrenal gland as the pituitary gland regulates all endocrine glands.

Different types of Adrenal gland disorders are:

1. Cushing's syndrome: This disorder occurs when the Adrenal glands produce too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that Adrenal glands produce when a body is exposed to stress. The cause of this disease is the intake of steroids and tumors present in the pituitary gland. Its symptoms are increase in blood pressure, weakness in the muscles and weak bones. It also causes DM and obesity mainly. Along with pituitary causes, adrenal causes also lead to Cushing's syndrome.
2. Adrenal cancer: Presence of cancerous cells in the Adrenal cortex leads to Adrenal cancer. Symptoms of the disorder are stomach cramps, blood pressure problems and irregular menstrual cycle.
3. Addison's disease - This disease occurs when the Adrenal glands produce less cortisol. This disorder is linked with the immune system as the Adrenal glands are attacked by it during this disorder. Symptoms of this disorder are hypotension, nausea, loss of appetite and muscle pain.
4. Pheochromocytoma - It is a tumor that develops in the adrenal gland and causes excessive production of a hormone called catecholamine. These hormones help in regulating blood pressure. The primary causes of this disorder are genetic factors. Common symptoms of this disorder are headaches, shortness of breath and sweating. It also causes headache, hypertension and abdominal pain.
5. Hyperaldosteronism - Also known as aldosteronism, it is a medical condition wherein too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, which can lead to hypertension with hypokalemia, hypernatremia and alkalosis.