If there are excessive androgens, it can lead to male characteristics in girls and premature/ early puberty in boys. It often leads to low aldosterone or low cortisol levels while increasing androgen levels. This is a genetic disorder affecting the enzymes that produce the adrenal hormones. This can result in spikes in blood pressure, anxiety, headache, and heart palpitations.

Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that produces excess amounts of adrenaline or noradrenaline. Hyperaldosteronism is when the adrenal gland overproduces the aldosterone hormone, resulting in increased blood pressure and low potassium levels. It has detrimental consequences such as the increased risk for heart attacks, and therefore, it should be evaluated thoroughly. Very rarely, adrenal nodules can be cancerous.Ĭushing syndrome happens when the adrenal gland produces excess cortisol leading to fatty deposits in the body and weight gain. Most commonly, adrenal nodules do not produce excess hormones however, in rare instances, they can. The pituitary gland is more like a master switch that sends the signal (hormones) to the adrenal gland to active them.Īn overactive adrenal gland can result from an adrenal nodule visualized on a CT or MRI scan. Adrenal gland disorders can result from conditions in the adrenal or the pituitary gland. The endocrine system has several hormonal glands that are interconnected. What other adrenal disorders might I develop? If you primary adrenal Insufficiency such as Addison’s disease, you may also experience a salt craving, drop in blood pressure, dehydration, and skin darkening. If you do not have ample cortisol production, you may experience the following symptoms. It increases heart rate and glucose levels and boosts blood flow to the brain and muscle.Īdrenal Insufficiency is the condition when your adrenal gland is unable to produce cortisol, which can cause devastating life threatening consequences.Īddison’s disease is one of its subtypes, but it is due to an autoimmune disorder. It prepares your body for fright and flight response. This is the hormone that is commonly called adrenaline. The adrenals produce weak male hormones converted to androgens in the testes and estrogen in the ovaries.Įpinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine It is a stress hormone that prepares the body for a stressful state.Īldosterone hormone regulates blood pressure and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.

The adrenal glands release several hormones crucial for the health and sustaining life, such as cortisol, aldosterone, androgens, and stress hormones.Ĭortisol regulates metabolism and affects inflammation, blood glucose, blood pressure, sleep-wake cycle, etc. What hormones are produced by the adrenal glands? Overactive Adrenal Glands- Cushing’s SyndromeĮndocrine Hypertension – High Blood Pressure Underactive Adrenal Glands- Adrenal Insufficiency

Overactive adrenal system