Adrenal Disorder

The hormones produced by your adrenal glands play a vital role in functions like metabolism and blood pressure, so that an imbalance can have a serious impact on your health. Board-certified endocrinologist Kwame Ntim, MD, at Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care in Altamonte, Florida, offers expert diagnosis and treatment for patients with adrenal problems. Dr. Ntim can relieve the symptoms of adrenal issues like Cushing's syndrome, prolactinoma, and other nodules and tumors to restore you to optimal health. To benefit from his experience, call Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care or request an appointment online today.

What are adrenal disorders?

The adrenal or suprarenal glands are on top of your kidneys. These glands produce hormones, which act as chemical messengers that regulate metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, and stress responses.

Essential hormones produced by the adrenal glands include cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. Adrenal problems arise when your glands produce too much or too little of a particular hormone, causing symptoms such as:

• Bodyweight changes
• High blood pressure
• Headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Decreased sex drive
• Menstrual problems
• Fatigue
• Bone and muscle weakness
• Bleeding or bruising easily
• Erectile dysfunction
• Heat intolerance

One of the known causes of adrenal problems is the overuse of steroid medication. If your doctor prescribes steroids for you, it's critical to follow their instructions and never take steroids unless you have a prescription. 

Other than this, the reasons why some people develop adrenal problems aren't always clear, although there could be genetic links.

What adrenal problems could affect me?

Dr. Ntim diagnoses and treats many adrenal problems, including:

Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome results from excessive steroid production in your adrenal glands. It's most often due to pituitary or adrenal gland tumors, which may be cancerous or benign (noncancerous).

Nodules and tumors

Nodules and tumors are growths on the adrenal glands. Sometimes they cause no symptoms, but they can also be highly disruptive to adrenal function.

Prolactinoma

A prolactinoma is a kind of pituitary tumor that causes overproduction of prolactin. Prolactin hormones stimulate your breasts to produce milk.

Adrenal insufficiency

Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) develops when you have low levels of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. A more common form of the condition is secondary adrenal insufficiency. This means your pituitary gland fails to produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which your adrenal glands need to make cortisol.

Hyperaldosteronism

The adrenal hormone aldosterone plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation, controlling the water, sodium, and potassium levels in your blood. A lack of aldosterone causes your body to retain too much sodium and lose a lot of potassium, leading to an increase in water retention, blood volume, and blood pressure.

How are adrenal problems treated?

The proper treatment for your adrenal problem depends on the condition you have, but options may include:

• Medication
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Injection of growth hormone-blocking drugs

Dr. Ntim creates a personalized treatment plan after confirming your diagnosis.

For expert help with your adrenal problems, call Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care or book an appointment online today.