Adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little hormone. Adrenal gland function also can be affected by hormones produced by other glands in the body, such as the pituitary gland, or by hormones introduced from an outside source. At least nine different types of adrenal gland disorders exist, each with its own symptoms and possible treatments.
The adrenal glands, located on the top of each kidney, are responsible for releasing different hormones. Adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands produce too much or too little of these hormones.
Adrenal gland disorders are caused by problems with one or both adrenal glands or by problems with other glands, such as the pituitary gland.Specific disorders can develop when the adrenal glands produce too few or too many hormones, or when too many hormones are introduced from an outside source.1
The adrenal glands are vital to controlling the way the body reacts to stress, commonly called the "fight or flight" response. The adrenal glands also produces hormones that are particularly important during puberty and pregnancy. Adrenal gland disorders disrupt the production of hormones.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), refers to a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys and release hormones the body needs to function. CAH creates imbalances in these hormones, which cause a wide range of symptoms in infants, children, and adults.
The thyroid and parathyroid glands are two hormone-producing entities of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland produces hormones that influence numerous metabolic functions in the body, including ...