Adrenal gland disorders. Hypoaldosteronism. Hyperfunction and hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla

What role do adrenal hormones play?

The adrenal glands produce certain hormones that are necessary for the human body. They perform various functions.

All hormones produced by the adrenal glands are vital for the proper functioning of the human body. With their excess or insufficient production, serious pathological changes appear, including serious complications.

general information

The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands. They consist of two structures - the cortex and the medulla. This gland produces the following hormones:

• adrenalin;
• norepinephrine;
• aldosterone;
• corticosterone;
• deoxycorticosterone;
• androgens.

Each of these hormones is important, so the proper functioning of the adrenal glands plays an important role in the rational functioning of the entire body.

Adrenal glands - paired endocrine gland

Tests to measure hormone levels

Hyperfunction or hypofunction of the adrenal glands is characterized by a decrease or increase in the production of certain biologically active substances that take part in various metabolic processes of the human body. A doctor, as well as an additional comprehensive examination, will help you establish an accurate diagnosis and select the most effective treatment method.

Patients are prescribed the following tests:

It is recommended to take tests in the morning and on an empty stomach. Before collecting the material, patients must refrain from eating harmful foods. The same goes for physical activity and emotional outbursts.

It is important to differentiate the disease and start treatment in a timely manner to prevent possible consequences. Similar clinical signs are accompanied by chronic pancreatitis, gastric ulcer, dermatomyositis, pellagra.

What should you do if symptoms of the disease appear?

Advice! Even before contacting a specialist, you can undergo an ultrasound examination of the adrenal glands. The fact is that at the first visit with characteristic complaints, the doctor will still refer the patient for such a diagnosis.

After the ultrasound of the adrenal glands is ready, you should make an appointment with an endocrinologist. In cases where it is not possible to consult with this specialist, it is necessary to visit a local physician. He is also able to order a diagnostic test and then refer the patient for further examination to a specialized clinic.

How does adrenal hyperfunction manifest itself?

Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands is observed in the case of increased production of hormones that support the vital functions of the human body. There are numerous situations where the functioning of the endocrine system is disrupted. In this situation, a person needs to consult an endocrinologist and undergo a thorough examination.

Causes

The adrenal glands (hyperfunction and hypofunction occur against the background of numerous provoking factors) affect the functioning of the entire human body.

Pathological processes trigger various changes in the body:

• hormonal imbalance;
• prolonged stress, overexertion;
• oncological diseases of the kidneys or peripheral organs (malignant tumors);
• gland hyperplasia;
• severe inflammatory process in the adrenal glands;
• overweight;
• development of diabetes mellitus;
• period of bearing a baby.

Benign neoplasms also provoke increased production of hormones and hyperfunction of the adrenal glands as a result. The same applies to the growth of the cortex.

Classification of adrenal hyperfunction

Considering the area of ​​development of pathological processes, in medicine there is a certain classification of adrenal hyperfunction:

Hypercortisolism

In each individual case, a person develops characteristic signs that indicate an increase in the concentration of certain hormones. It is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination and tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms

The adrenal glands (hyperfunction and hypofunction of the paired gland negatively affect a person’s daily life) when working hard cause characteristic symptoms with which it is necessary to go to the hospital.

The endocrinologist, taking into account the patient’s complaints, will prescribe an examination. Also guided by the signs of disorders, he will be able to determine the degree and stage of development of pathological processes.

Adrenal hyperfunction is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• adenomas are formed;
• there are sharp changes in blood pressure parameters;
• the menstrual cycle is disrupted;
• hands and legs are shaking;
• the size of the adrenal glands increases;
• acne appears on the skin;
• pigmentation occurs;
• tumor processes develop;
• the patient complains of constant weakness in the body, rapid fatigue.

Accompanying signs are also atrophying phenomena associated with muscles, a sharp change in body weight. Tests show high levels of glucose in the blood.

Treatment

Therapy for damage to the adrenal glands in each case is selected according to an individual scheme. Not only the results of a comprehensive examination are taken into account, but also the person’s condition and associated pathologies. It is important to first eliminate the provoking factor. Complex treatment allows the use of folk remedies if there are no medical contraindications.

Adrenal glands (hyperfunction and hypofunction of the gland are the result of serious disorders in the human body), with increased production of hormones, must be treated primarily with medication:

Additionally, all patients are prescribed vitamin complexes and immunostimulating agents that will help increase the body's defenses. In cases where the cause of adrenal hyperfunction is a tumor, surgery is indicated for the patient.

Consequences and complications

Increased concentrations of hormones produced by the adrenal glands rarely provoke negative consequences or relapses. The patient must strictly adhere to all doctor's recommendations and take medications.

Otherwise, without treatment, a person will face the following complications:

• development of malignant processes;
• failure of the endocrine system;
• dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.

Complications provoke the development of serious concomitant diseases, including Itsenko-Cushing syndrome. The pathology is characterized by the appearance of hair throughout the body, the process of thermoregulation is disrupted, and the risk of bone fractures increases.

Traditional treatment

As in any other case, traditional medicine is not a panacea, but only plays a supporting role in treatment.

• Snowdrop tincture

To prepare the medicine, take 80 g of dry snowdrop inflorescences, pour 500 ml of vodka over them, then put the mixture in a sunny place for 40 days. Take 20 drops 3 times a day. To improve the taste, you can add a dessert spoon of flower honey to the medicine. This tincture normalizes the activity of the adrenal glands.

• Geranium infusion

Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed leaves of the plant into a glass of boiling water, leave for about 10 minutes and cool. Drink 50 ml 2-3 times a day after meals.

• Horsetail

To prepare horsetail tea, pour a glass of boiling water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Drink the herbal infusion, like regular tea, 15 minutes after eating.

Adrenal dysfunction is an extremely dangerous condition for human health. If any suspicious symptoms occur, the patient must consult a doctor as soon as possible, otherwise, a malfunction of the paired organ will lead to very serious consequences.

You can also watch this video, which presents a short lecture on the importance of the adrenal glands.

Hypofunction of the adrenal glands

Hypofunction of the adrenal glands is characterized by insufficient production of certain hormones.

As pathological processes progress, the internal organs of the human body gradually cease to function normally.

Causes

In most cases (98%), the cause of adrenal hypofunction is abnormal autoimmune reactions in the human body. Pathological changes provoke destruction of the paired gland.

But there are other negative factors that disrupt the functioning of the adrenal glands:

• tuberculosis in the active stage;
• hereditary predisposition;
• genetic abnormalities;
• damage to the cardiovascular system;
• tumor in the pituitary gland;
• adrenal hyperandrogenism.

Autoimmune disorders also contribute to adrenal hypofunction. The immune system produces antibodies that attack its own cells, mistaking them for foreign microorganisms.

Classification of adrenal hypofunction

Taking into account the course of pathological processes, the following types of adrenal hypofunction are distinguished:

Symptoms at each stage of development of pathological processes differ, depending on the area of ​​localization and the degree of their spread.

Symptoms

The adrenal glands (hyperfunction and hypofunction require mandatory medical care) with insufficient production of hormones provoke the appearance of specific symptoms. The clinical picture will allow the doctor to identify disorders and establish a preliminary diagnosis. Also prescribe the most informative examination for the person.

Adrenal hypofunction is accompanied by the following clinical symptoms:

• the skin in the neck, arms and face darkens (the intensity of the color depends on the degree of development of pathological processes);
• the mucous membrane of the gums, tongue, lips becomes covered with brown spots;
• there is a feeling of general fatigue in the body;
• muscle weakness gradually increases;
• skin rashes and acne appear;
• women's menstrual cycle is disrupted;
• sebaceous glands become inflamed;
• body weight increases sharply;
• blood pressure increases;
• stretch marks appear on the human body;
• the functioning of the digestive system organs is disrupted;
• nausea and vomiting regularly;
• metabolism slows down due to damage to the endocrine system;
• pain occurs in the abdominal area.

Hypofunction of the adrenal glands is also accompanied by nervous irritability and a person’s apathy towards the world around him. Memory deteriorates, absent-mindedness appears, and concentration decreases. Bruises appear on the body, even with minor physical impact.

Treatment

Complex therapy for adrenal hypofunction involves patients taking special medications for life. A diet is also selected for the person. It is necessary to avoid all kinds of factors that provoke a malfunction of the adrenal glands. This applies to increased physical activity, emotional outbursts, and stress.

The endocrinologist selects drug therapy based on the patient’s condition and test results.

The patient is prescribed replacement therapy using the following drugs:

Hospitalization is necessary for the patient if an acute period of adrenal hypofunction develops. In a hospital setting, antishock therapy is carried out, and medications are administered intravenously. In the absence of positive dynamics after drug therapy and in the event of serious complications, surgical intervention is indicated for patients.

Consequences and complications

With timely and properly selected therapy, many patients with hypofunction continue to live normally. The course of the disease in this case is favorable.

In other situations there is a serious risk of complications:

• heart rhythm disturbance;
• cerebral edema;
• collapse.

The most dangerous complication is death. Chronic adrenal insufficiency is treated with medications throughout life. Patients are assigned a certain disability group, depending on the degree and severity of the disease.

Hyperfunction and hypofunction of the adrenal glands require careful diagnosis and properly selected therapy. An endocrinologist prescribes medications to patients that will not only help eliminate existing symptoms, but also restore the functioning of the paired gland.

Patients should additionally strictly adhere to dietary nutrition. The prognosis for adrenal gland dysfunction depends on the patient. Failure to comply with medical prescriptions will lead to serious consequences, including death.

Traditional treatment

Therapy for adrenal gland dysfunction must be carried out immediately, since any delay threatens to end extremely unfavorably for the person.

With adrenal hyperfunction, the doctor recommends to the patient in most cases:

• Surgery (especially if there is a neoplasm in the organ).
• In addition, the patient is prescribed corticosteroid injections, which must be injected constantly.
• After improving health indicators, the patient must take medications throughout his life so that the disease does not manifest itself with renewed vigor.

Adrenal hypofunction is treated with synthetic drugs containing mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.

If there are problems with the adrenal glands, the patient is advised to avoid spicy, fatty and salty foods, legumes, coffee, alcohol-containing drinks, and sweets.