16717 Adrenal Disorders
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
The adrenal glands are two tiny triangles that sit on top of your kidneys. They make hormones that help control your blood pressure, blood sugar, salt and water balance, and how your body responds to stress. Adrenal disorders happen when these glands make too much or too little of those hormones.
Key facts
- Adrenal disorders have different types, such as adrenal insufficiency (too little hormone) and Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol).
- Many adrenal disorders are treatable with regular care and monitoring.
- With the right treatment, most people with adrenal disorders can live full and active lives.
Adrenal disorders are uncommon. Some types, like adrenal insufficiency, affect about 1 in 10,000 people, but others are even rarer.
Adrenal disorders can affect anyone at any age, from babies to older adults. Some types are linked to family history or autoimmune disease, while others happen without a clear cause.
Symptoms
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea with signs of dehydration
- A sudden drop in blood pressure causing fainting or collapse
- Seizures
- Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Sudden severe pain in the belly, lower back, or legs
- High fever with extreme weakness
- ⚠New or worsening dizziness and weakness
- ⚠Inability to keep down your usual hormone medicines
- ⚠Failing to get better quickly after resting or eating
- ⚠Significant and rapid weight loss
Common symptoms
- Feeling extremely tired and weak
- Unintended weight loss or weight gain
- Dizziness or fainting when standing up
- High blood pressure or low blood pressure
- Nausea, vomiting, or belly pain
- Salt craving
- Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
- Muscle aches and joint pain
Symptoms in children
- Poor growth or slow weight gain
- Delayed puberty
- Low energy and easy tiredness
- Stomach aches and low blood sugar
Symptoms in older adults
- Confusion or memory problems
- Dehydration and weakness
- Falls due to dizziness
- Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss
Causes
Main causes
- Autoimmune disease, when your immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands
- Damage to the adrenal glands from infection (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections)
- A tumor on the adrenal gland or the pituitary gland
- Injury or bleeding into the adrenal glands
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines, then stopping them too suddenly
Risk factors
- Having an autoimmune condition like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease
- Having a family history of adrenal disorders
- Long-term use of steroid medicines without proper medical supervision
- Infections that affect the adrenal glands
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have any symptoms of an adrenal crisis, call your local emergency number now.
- If you are vomiting and cannot keep down your medicines, get urgent medical help.
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you have ongoing fatigue, weight changes, dizziness, or other symptoms that worry you, make a non-urgent appointment with your doctor.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and often arrange blood tests. You may be referred to an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone disorders.
Tests that may be done
- Blood tests to measure cortisol, ACTH, and sodium and potassium levels
- ACTH stimulation test, where a small injection is given to see how your adrenal glands respond
- Urine tests to check hormone output
- Imaging scans like CT or MRI to look at the size and shape of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland
What to expect at your appointment
Diagnosis can take time because symptoms may develop slowly. You will likely have several blood tests and maybe a hospital appointment. You do not need to do anything special to prepare, but telling your doctor about all your symptoms and any medicines you take will help.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of adrenal disorder and the cause. The goal is to bring your hormone levels back to normal, whether that means replacing missing hormones or reducing extra hormones.
Self-care at home
- Take hormone replacement medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes, without missing doses
- Ask your doctor abouthow to adjust your medicine during illness, stress, or before a procedure – the risks of stopping suddenly can be dangerous
- Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a medical alert card that tells emergency staff about your adrenal disorder
- Never stop steroid medicines on your own without speaking to your doctor
Medical treatments
Hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to replace cortisol and other hormones. Other medicines can help block the body from making too much hormone. In some cases, surgery, radiation, or other targeted treatments are used if a tumor is the cause. Your specialist will explain the options suited to your condition.
When is surgery considered?
If a tumor in the adrenal gland or pituitary gland is causing too much hormone production, surgery to remove the tumor may be recommended. The decision is made by your specialist team based on the size, type, and location of the tumor.
Living with this condition
Living with an adrenal disorder means learning to manage your hormones and stay alert to changes in your body. With regular check-ups and a good care plan, most people continue their normal routines, work, and hobbies.
Lifestyle tips
- Learn your sick-day rules early, so you know what to do if you get an infection or fever
- Carry an emergency kit with your medicines and a card explaining your condition
- Stress can affect your hormone levels, so find relaxation methods that work for you, like breathing exercises or gentle activities
- Keep your family and friends informed about your condition and how they can help in an emergency
Diet and exercise
Eat a balanced diet with regular meals to keep your blood sugar steady. If you have adrenal insufficiency, your doctor may recommend extra salt, but do not change your salt intake without medical advice. Physical activity is good for you, but pace yourself and build up gradually. Always listen to your body.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Living with a chronic condition can be emotionally draining. You may feel anxious, low, or worried about emergencies. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor, a counselor, or a mental health service if you need support.
Prevention
Most adrenal disorders cannot be prevented because they are caused by autoimmune changes, genetics, or tumors. However, if you take long-term steroid medicines, never stop them suddenly without medical advice – doing so can prevent a severe adrenal crisis.
Vaccines
If you have an adrenal disorder, staying up to date with standard vaccines is important because infections can trigger adrenal crises. Discuss vaccination with your doctor.
Screening programmes
If you have a family history of adrenal disorders or an autoimmune condition, your doctor might recommend regular hormone level tests, even before symptoms appear.
Complications
If left untreated
- Adrenal crisis – a life-threatening medical emergency with severe dehydration, very low blood pressure, and shock
- Severe electrolyte imbalances that can affect your heart and brain
- Kidney injury from dehydration
- Seizures or if the brain is affected by seriously abnormal hormone levels
Long-term outlook
With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most adrenal disorders can be managed very well. People with adrenal insufficiency, for example, often lead healthy and active lives by taking daily hormone replacement and following simple sick-day plans. Regular reviews with your doctor help keep you safe and well.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.