This condition, often caused by a tumor (adrenal cortical adenoma) in the adrenal glands, is one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension (high blood pressure). This can lead to lower levels of potassium, in the blood. Primary hyperaldosteronism, also called aldosterone secreting adenoma or Conn’s syndrome, a condition in which too much of the hormone aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands. There may be a family history of this disease. About 10 percent of these tumors are cancerous and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. This causes variable symptoms such as high blood pressure, sweating, headache, chest pain and anxiety. Pheochromocytoma, a rare, usually benign, tumor of the adrenal glands resulting in the glands secreting excessive amounts of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline (catecholamines). Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)Ī tumor of the adrenal glands can result in the overproduction of various hormones.Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome Type 1 and Type 2.Symptoms of underactive adrenal glands include fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, weakness and gastrointestinal problems.įroedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin endocrinologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating all disorders that result in underactive adrenal glands: The problem may be related to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves or to inadequate secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone by the pituitary gland. The adrenal glands may fail to produce adequate levels of cortisol for many reasons. In rare cases, an adrenal nodule is cancerous. The adrenal gland may also become enlarged. In about 10 percent of cases, nodules are more serious and cause an overproduction of certain hormones. In most cases, these growths are noncancerous. In general, diseases of the adrenal glands cause the glands to become overactive or underactive - producing too much or not enough hormone.Ībout 3 percent of people have one or more nodules of the adrenal glands. In turn, the pituitary gland produces hormones that stimulate the adrenal glands to produce hormones.

The hypothalamus produces hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland. The adrenal glands interact with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The cortex produces steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone and testosterone. The cortex produces hormones that affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels, growth and some sexual characteristics. The medulla and produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are commonly called adrenaline and noradrenaline. The medulla produces the hormones that regulate the body’s reaction to stress. The adrenal glands-small glands located above both kidneys-are composed of two separate regions: the medulla and the cortex.

Adrenal cortex secretes