Overactive Adrenal Glands

What are overactive adrenal glands?

Your physique has 2 adrenal glands. They’re discovered on high of every kidney. The adrenal glands make sure sorts of hormones. In the event that they make an excessive amount of of (overproduce) these hormones, they’re referred to as overactive.

What causes overactive adrenal glands?

Your adrenal glands might begin to make too many hormones on their very own for unknown causes. They will additionally turn into too lively in case your pituitary gland makes an excessive amount of of the hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotropin). Or they’ll turn into too lively if tumors in different elements of your physique make an excessive amount of CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) or ACTH.

Some individuals who take excessive doses of steroid medicines for a very long time may also present indicators of additional adrenal hormone impact.

What are the signs of overactive adrenal glands?

Signs rely on which hormones are being overproduced:

• Androgenic steroids (androgen hormones). These embody hormones associated to testosterone. Having an excessive amount of of them can result in sturdy male traits in each women and men. These might embody additional hair progress on the face and physique, baldness, pimples, a deeper voice, and extra muscle mass.

• Cortisol. An excessive amount of cortisol can result in Cushing syndrome. This dysfunction will also be brought on by taking excessive ranges of comparable steroid hormones. Signs of Cushing syndrome embody fragile pores and skin that bruises simply, pink or purple stretch marks, irritability, and melancholy. Higher physique weight problems, elevated fats across the neck, spherical puffy face, and skinny legs and arms are additionally widespread.

• Aldosterone.  An excessive amount of aldosterone could cause hypertension. It may additionally trigger low ranges of potassium. Which will end in weak point, muscle aches, spasms, and typically paralysis.

• Epinephrine or norepinephrine. An excessive amount of of those hormones results in hypertension, sudden and extreme complications, and nervousness signs.

These signs might appear to be different well being issues. All the time see your healthcare supplier for a prognosis.

How are overactive adrenal glands identified?

Your healthcare supplier will ask about your well being historical past. Additionally, you will want a bodily examination. Your supplier can also see you probably have any indicators of Cushing syndrome, a situation that may happen in case your physique makes an excessive amount of cortisol hormone. Folks with this situation have signs that embody simple bruising, muscle weak point, and pink or purple stretch marks. Higher physique weight problems and skinny legs and arms are additionally widespread.

Different assessments which will assist with a prognosis embody:

• Blood and urine assessments. These can measure hormone ranges.

• Imaging assessments. These might embody a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray.

How are overactive adrenal glands handled?

Therapy will rely in your signs, age, and normal well being. It would additionally rely on how extreme the situation is.

Therapy relies on what’s inflicting the overactive glands. It’s possible you’ll have to have your adrenal glands eliminated. If exterior steroid use is the trigger, it’s possible you’ll have to slowly in the reduction of or cease taking the steroid. You might also have to take medication that blocks the manufacturing of sure hormones.

When ought to I name my healthcare supplier?

Inform your healthcare supplier in case your signs return or worsen. Additionally let your supplier know you probably have new signs.

Key factors about overactive adrenal glands

• Your 2 adrenal glands are discovered simply above every kidney. They make sure sorts of hormones. In case your adrenal glands make an excessive amount of of those hormones, they’re referred to as overactive.

• Signs rely on which hormones are being overproduced.

• It’s possible you’ll have to have blood and urine assessments, in addition to imaging assessments similar to a CT scan or ultrasound.

• Therapy relies on the reason for the illness. It could embody medication or surgical procedure.

Subsequent steps

Suggestions that will help you get probably the most from a go to to your healthcare supplier:

• Know the explanation to your go to and what you wish to occur.

• Earlier than your go to, write down questions you need answered.

• Deliver somebody with you that will help you ask questions and bear in mind what your supplier tells you.

• On the go to, write down the identify of a brand new prognosis and any new medicines, therapies, or assessments. Additionally write down any new directions your supplier provides you.

• Know why a brand new medication or therapy is prescribed and the way it will assist you to. Additionally know what the unintended effects are and when you need to report them to your healthcare supplier.

• Ask in case your situation might be handled in different methods.

• Know why a check or process is advisable and what the outcomes may imply.

• Know what to anticipate if you don’t take the medication or have the check or process.

• When you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and function for that go to.

• Know how one can contact your supplier you probably have questions.