What are the adrenal glands?
Located on top of your kidneys, your adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system. These glands produce a number of hormones including:
- Aldosterone
- Cortisol
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
These hormones regulate many vital body systems, including your stress response, metabolism, and immunity.
An adrenal disease or disorder affects hormone production, causing an increase or decrease in hormone levels. These hormonal changes affect normal body function and health.
What are the types of adrenal disease?
There are many types of adrenal diseases, which include, but are not limited to:
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, occurs when your adrenal glands are unable to produce adequate amounts of cortisol. Symptoms of Addison’s disease include fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.
Addison’s disease most often develops when your immune system attacks and destroys the outer layer of your adrenal gland.
Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease occurs when your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Symptoms of Cushing’s disease include weight gain, poor wound healing, and anxiety.
You may develop Cushing’s disease if you need to take high doses of steroids to manage an autoimmune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Pituitary disease caused by a pituitary tumor may also lead to Cushing’s disease.
Conn’s syndrome
With Conn’s syndrome, also called primary hyperaldosteronism, your adrenal glands overproduce aldosterone. Symptoms of Conn’s syndrome may include headaches, excessive urination, or muscle weakness.
How is adrenal disease diagnosed?
Dr. Weiss has extensive experience diagnosing and treating adrenal disease and performs a comprehensive evaluation to formulate a diagnosis. During your exam, he reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, and current medication and supplement use.
He then performs a physical exam and may request various diagnostic tests, such as blood work,a urinalysis, or imaging, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
How is adrenal disease treated?
Dr. Weiss takes a patient-centered approach to care and develops an individualized treatment plan for the management of your adrenal disease based on the type you have, your symptoms, and your overall health and wellness.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Medication to decrease hormone production
- Hormone therapy to restore hormone levels
- Surgery to remove tumors
The practice provides comprehensive care and regular follow-up appointments so you get the best results.
To learn from an expert about treatment options for your adrenal disease, call Abington Endocrinology or request an appointment online today.
