What are adrenal glands?
On top of each of your kidneys sits a small gland. These two adrenal glands are responsible for releasing the following hormones into your bloodstream:
Cortisol
This hormone controls your sleep and wake cycles, plays a role in your stress levels, keeps your blood pressure balanced, minimizes inflammation in your body, and more.
Aldosterone
This hormone also plays a role in balancing your blood pressure. Additionally, it regulates the levels of electrolytes in your bloodstream.
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
Also called adrenaline and noradrenaline, these are the hormones that control your fight-or-flight response. As a result, they can increase your heart rate and boost your energy levels in response to stress.
Dehydroepiandrosterone and androgenic steroids
Your body uses these hormones differently depending on your sex. In females, they convert to estrogen in the ovaries, while they convert to androgens in male testes.
Your adrenal glands play a significant role in a number of your body’s functions. That’s why problems with them can create so many symptoms.
What are the symptoms of adrenal problems?
When you encounter adrenal problems, you can experience a range of symptoms. They vary by the type of adrenal problem you’re facing, but some of the most common include:
- High or low blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Moodiness
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
- Bone weakness
- Weight gain in the face and upper body
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, the team at Palmetto Endocrinology is available to determine if they stem from an adrenal problem.
What are the most common adrenal problems?
Several conditions can affect your adrenal glands, including:
- Adrenal incidentaloma (masses/tumors on your glands)
- Addison’s disease (cortisol insufficiency)
- Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol)
- Conn’s syndrome (excess aldosterone)
- Adrenal cancer
- Pheochromocytoma (tumors in your glands)
Whichever type of adrenal problem is affecting you, the first step is diagnosing it. The experienced team at Palmetto Endocrinology is available to provide your diagnosis, then create a treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.
Treatment usually includes medication to balance your hormone levels or surgery to remove tumors or cancer. Your Palmetto Endocrinology provider talks with you about your treatment options, helping you make the best choice for your immediate and long-term health goals.
To learn more about adrenal problems, call Palmetto Endocrinology or schedule an appointment online.
