Adrenal Diseases
About Adrenal Diseases
Adrenal diseases can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much or not enough hormones, including sex hormones and cortisol. These adrenal diseases can cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Destruction of the adrenal gland due to an auto-immune response is one cause of adrenal disease. Cancer, infection or other conditions may also lead to adrenal diseases.
Other causes include:
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The use of corticosteroids as a treatment (such as prednisone). This treatment method can cause a slowdown in production of natural corticosteroids by the adrenal glands, resulting in adrenal disease symptoms.
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Certain drugs used to treat fungal infections may block production of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands.
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Adrenal Disease Symptoms
Diseases that cause an overproduction of hormones from the adrenal glands have a variety of symptoms, including:
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Exaggerated male characteristics in both men and women, such as increased facial and body hair, baldness, acne, deeper voice and increased masculinity
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High blood pressure
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Symptoms associated with low levels of potassium (i.e., weakness, muscle aches, spasms and possible paralysis)
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Upper body obesity
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Round face
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Increased fat around the neck
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Thinning of the arms and legs
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Fragile and thinning skin
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Stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts
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Bone and muscle weakness
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Severe fatigue
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High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
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Irritability and anxiety
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Excess hair growth in women
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Irregular or stopped menstrual cycles in women
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Reduced male sex drive
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Reduced male fertility