Adrenal Diseases

Adrenal glands release different types of hormones that control things such as metabolic processes and the body's balance of salt and water. Some of the most common types of adrenal diseases include Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Addion's disease, hyperaldosteronism and pituitary tumors.

Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is caused by a person being exposed to too much cortisol. It most commonly affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia refers to a group of diseases that are present at birth and effect the adrenal glands. Unlike with Cushing's syndrome, the adrenal glands of people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia usually don't produce enough cortisol.

Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors can have serious effects on a person's mood and ability to concentrate because of the fact that the pituitary gland plays an important role in hormone secretion.

Addison's Disease

Addison's disease results in the body producing insufficient amounts of cortisol as well as aldosterone hormones. It can be life threatening, and most commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50.

Hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism is caused by excessive production of aldosterone. Sufferers have high blood pressure and sometimes require blood pressure medication.

References

• National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
• National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service
• Mayo Clinic - Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Resources

• Mayo Clinic Addison's Disease Page
• National Adrenal Diseases Foundation