adrenal on one side

Overview

It means there is a growth, nodule, or hormonal overactivity in just one of your two adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of your kidneys and make hormones that regulate blood pressure, salt levels, energy, and stress response.

Yes, it is fairly common. Many people over 50 have small adrenal nodules, often without knowing.

It can affect people of any age, but it is more often seen in adults, especially during routine scans for other health problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all, if the growth is non-functioning
• High blood pressure that is hard to control
• Headaches
• Sweating or flushing
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Low blood potassium
• Sudden weight gain, especially around the belly
• Easy bruising or slow healing

Symptoms in children

• Early or unusual signs of puberty
• Poor growth or weight gain
• High blood pressure
• Muscle weakness or fatigue

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms may be subtle, like fatigue or difficulty controlling blood pressure
• Cognitive changes or confusion
• Increased risk of broken bones from bone loss

Causes

Main causes

• A benign adrenal adenoma – a small, non-cancerous growth
• Adrenal hyperplasia – extra growth of the gland tissue on one side
• Pheochromocytoma – a tumor of the inner adrenal gland that can cause bursts of adrenaline
• Rarely, a malignant adrenal tumor (cancer)
• Infections or hemorrhage (bleeding) in the adrenal gland, less commonly

Risk factors

• Age over 50
• Family history of adrenal or endocrine tumors
• Certain genetic syndromes, like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
• Long-term high blood pressure or metabolic conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, very high blood pressure with headache, sweating, or palpitations
• If you have severe abdominal, back, or chest pain
• If you notice stroke-like symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you were told you have a nodule or mass on one adrenal gland
• If you have ongoing symptoms that could relate to hormones, like unexplained fatigue, weight gain, or high blood pressure
• Before any surgery, if you have known adrenal issues

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, examine you, and order tests. The diagnosis usually involves imaging of your adrenal area and blood or urine tests to check hormone levels.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan or MRI of the abdomen to see the adrenal gland clearly
• Blood tests to check levels of hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline-related chemicals
• A 24-hour urine test for hormones
• Blood pressure checks, including ambulatory monitoring in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specialises in hormones. They will explain what the tests show and whether further monitoring or treatment is needed. Many people require only periodic repeat scans.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific problem. If the growth is small, non-functioning, and not suspicious, your doctor may simply monitor it with regular follow-up. If it is producing too many hormones or has a concerning size, treatment may include surgery or medication to manage hormone effects.

Self-care at home

• Keep a diary of blood pressure readings at home
• Avoid excessive salt if your blood pressure is high
• Do not stop any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor
• Report new or worsening symptoms early

Medical treatments

For hormone-producing growths, doctors may recommend blood pressure medicines or other treatments to block the effects of excess hormones while preparing for or avoiding surgery. These are always prescribed and monitored by a specialist. Specific names and doses depend on your individual health needs.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to remove one adrenal gland (unilateral adrenalectomy) may be recommended if the growth is larger than about 4 cm, if it is causing dangerous hormone overproduction, or if there is concern about cancer.

Living with this condition

Most people can live normally. If you are being monitored, keep your scheduled scans and appointments. If you have had surgery, your remaining adrenal gland usually takes over the work of both glands.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with walking or other moderate exercise
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques or social support
• Get enough sleep
• Limit alcohol and do not smoke

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about a lower-salt eating plan. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding a growth or hormone problem can feel worrying and overwhelming. It is normal to have anxiety until your doctor explains the plan. Remember that the majority of adrenal masses are benign, and support is available.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent a growth from forming on one adrenal gland. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help catch any problems early.

Screening programmes

Routine imaging is not standard for everyone. If you have a family history of adrenal tumors or a genetic syndrome, ask your doctor if screening may be appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure, which can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
• High cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and bone thinning
• A pheochromocytoma, if left untreated, can cause dangerous surges of adrenaline and blood pressure spikes

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Most adrenal growths are benign and do not shorten life. When treatment is needed, removing the affected gland often resolves symptoms. With close follow-up, many people lead completely normal lives.

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