adrenal risks and benefits for patients

Overview

The adrenal glands are two small triangle-shaped glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They make hormones that help your body manage stress, keep blood pressure stable, control blood sugar, and balance salt and water. This article explains how these glands work, what can go wrong with them, and how to keep them as healthy as possible.

Adrenal disorders are relatively uncommon. However, some adrenal growths are found during scans for other health issues, so they are being detected more often.

Adrenal problems can affect people of any age. Certain conditions, like autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, are more common in adults and in women, while other adrenal tumors may be more common in older age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling unusually tired
• Unexplained weight changes
• High blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Low mood or irritability
• Darkening of the skin (in some adrenal insufficiency cases)

Symptoms in children

• Slow growth or delayed puberty
• Low blood sugar, which can feel like shakiness, sweating, or dizziness
• Salt craving

Symptoms in older adults

• More subtle symptoms like weakness, confusion, or falls
• High blood pressure
• Unexplained fatigue

Causes

Main causes

• Autoimmune conditions (the immune system attacks the adrenal glands)
• Infection that damages the glands
• Tumours in the adrenal glands (usually non-cancerous)
• Long-term use of certain steroid medicines, which can suppress adrenal function
• Inherited (genetic) conditions

Risk factors

• Having an autoimmune condition like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease
• Long-term steroid use
• Previous surgery on the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland
• Certain infections that can affect the adrenal glands

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe dizziness, vomiting, or worsening weakness, especially after an illness or injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been feeling unusually tired for weeks
• If you have weight changes, high blood pressure, or skin darkening

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will usually start with a physical exam, a review of your symptoms, and simple blood or urine tests to measure hormone levels. If needed, they may also order an imaging scan of your adrenal glands.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests for cortisol and other adrenal hormones
• Urine tests to measure hormone levels over 24 hours
• CT, MRI, or ultrasound imaging of the abdomen
• ACTH stimulation test (measures how well the adrenal glands respond to stress)

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless. For the ACTH test, you may receive a small injection that causes your adrenal glands to release hormones so your doctor can see how well they respond. Your healthcare team will explain every step.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific disorder and the cause. The goals are to replace missing hormones if levels are too low, to lower hormone levels if they are too high, and to manage any tumour if present.

Self-care at home

• Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or card if your provider recommends it
• Learn to adjust your medicines during times of stress or illness — ask your provider for a written sick-day plan
• Avoid stopping adrenal medicines suddenly

Medical treatments

Medical treatment may involve replacing adrenal hormones with man-made versions to keep body functions stable. In conditions where the gland produces too much hormone, medicines may be used to block or reduce hormone production. Some people may need radiation therapy or surgery to remove an adrenal tumour. Your endocrine specialist will explain your options based on your exact situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is sometimes needed to remove an adrenal gland if a tumour is large, growing, or producing too much hormone.

Living with this condition

Many people with adrenal disorders live full, active lives. The key is consistent monitoring, regular follow-ups with your endocrine team, and knowing when to get urgent help.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a healthy daily routine
• Learn to manage stress with relaxation techniques or mindfulness
• Always carry your emergency medicine and instructions if prescribed
• Make sure family and friends know what to do if you become unwell

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals supports steady blood sugar. If you have an adrenal condition, ask your healthcare team about whether you need extra salt or fluid. Regular, moderate exercise is safe for most people, but check with your provider first.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term adrenal condition can bring feelings of worry and frustration. It's very common and nothing to be ashamed of. Talking to a counsellor or joining a support group can help.

Prevention

Most adrenal disorders cannot be prevented, but some risks can be reduced. If you take steroids for other conditions, never stop them suddenly, and discuss any changes with your doctor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps your body cope with stress and keeps blood pressure in check.

Vaccines

Have routine vaccines as recommended. Any infection can place extra pressure on the adrenal glands if you have adrenal insufficiency, so staying up to date is extra important.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for adrenal disorders for the general public. If you have a family history of certain adrenal conditions, your doctor may discuss earlier testing.

Complications

If left untreated

• If adrenal conditions are not treated, they can lead to serious problems, including long-term damage to the heart and blood vessels, bone weakness, and in severe cases a life-threatening adrenal crisis.

Long-term outlook

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with adrenal disorders see major improvement in their symptoms. Most adrenal tumours are not cancerous, and treatment has a very good success rate.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.