What do your adrenal glands do?

The adrenal glands are two walnut-sized structures situated above each of your two kidneys. They consist of two separate regions: an inner adrenal medulla surrounded by an outer adrenal cortex. 

What can go wrong with your adrenal glands?

As with all structures of the body, the adrenal glands are subject to a range of disorders and diseases.

Major health problems can occur when the adrenal glands produce too many or too few hormones. Two disorders caused by impaired functioning of these glands are Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome. Addison's disease is caused by damage or disease to the adrenal glands, resulting in a deficiency of the hormone cortisol. The overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands leads to Cushing's syndrome.

Cushing's syndrome may also result when steroid drugs (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone) are taken over a prolonged period or at high doses. These steroid hormones are often used to treat inflammatory illnesses such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Additionally, long-term treatment with these medications can inhibit normal pituitary function (which usually controls the adrenals) and cause secondary adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency or Adrenal fatigue is a common problem characterized by a deficiency of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

High stress levels , which are often accompanied by an unhealthy lifestyle, can weaken the adrenal glands. When stress continues over a long time, the adrenal glands’ response to this stress can deplete the body's hormonal and energy reserves, and the glands may either shrink in size or hypertrophy (enlarge). The overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt the metabolism, cause weakness, fatigue and a feeling of being run down. It can also interfere with normal sleep and cause a light and unrelaxing sleep state which can make one feel worn out even after a full night's sleep. Adrenal insufficiency is sometimes linked to chronic fatigue and thyroid problems as well.

What are the symptoms of adrenal disease?

Adrenal disease may often go unnoticed until far advanced.  When symptoms do appear they are often vague and may include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of energy
• Decreased immune system with recurrent illness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Dizziness on standing up
• Anxiety and depression
• Decreased tolerance to cold
• Hair loss in women
• Increased pigmentation of skin