Dr. Ronald Goldenberg, Endocrinologist, Toronto
Common Types of Adrenal Gland Dysfunction
1. Addison’s Disease (Underactive adrenal glands)
The adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Salt cravings
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
Adrenal Gland Dysfunction
Adrenal gland dysfunction refers to conditions in which the adrenal glands (small glands located above the kidneys) produce too much or too little of certain hormones. These hormones help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, stress response, immune function, and salt-water balance.
2. Cushing Syndrome (Overactive adrenal glands)
The body produces too much cortisol.
Symptoms:
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face
- Round “moon” face
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Easy bruising
- Muscle weakness
- Mood changes
Dr. Ronald Goldenberg, Endocrinologist, Toronto
Dr. Ronald Goldenberg, Endocrinologist, Toronto
The relationship depends on the specific adrenal disorder.
Low adrenal hormone production (adrenal insufficiency)
Conditions such as Addison’s disease or secondary adrenal insufficiency can cause:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Depression
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Apathy or loss of motivation
- Anxiety (less common than depression but can occur)
In severe cases, confusion or delirium may develop, particularly during an adrenal crisis, which is a medical emergency.
Power of Nutrition in Adrenal Gland Dysfunction management
Sarah Blundel RD
Nutritional strategies for adrenal gland dysfunction depend heavily on whether you are managing diagnosed clinical conditions (such as Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome) or general stress-induced adrenal fatigue (a wellness term describing chronic stress, fatigue, and burnout).
The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and produce vital hormones like cortisol (stress response and blood sugar regulation) and aldosterone (sodium and fluid balance).
High cortisol levels
Conditions such as Cushing syndrome can cause:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Memory and concentration problems
- Panic symptoms
- In some cases, mania or psychosis
Chronic excess cortisol can also affect areas of the brain involved in memory and emotional regulation.
Dr. Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, Sarah Ware RD
Dr Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, Sarah Ware RD
Dr. Akshay Jain, MD, FRCPC, Sarah Ware RD
Power of Exercise in Adrenal Gland Dysfunction Management
Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC
Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC
Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC
Dr. Ronald Goldenberg, Endocrinologist, Toronto
Cushing’s disease is a specific medical condition characterized by long-term overproduction of the stress hormonecortisol.
It is often confused withCushing’s syndrome, but there is a distinct clinical difference between the two.
Cushing’s Disease vs. Cushing’s Syndrome
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Cushing’s Syndrome: The overall umbrella term for any state of chronic, excess cortisol in the body, regardless of what causes it. This is most commonly caused by taking high doses of prescription steroid medications (like prednisone) long-term.
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Cushing’s Disease: Aspecific subtype of Cushing’s syndrome. It occurs when abenign tumor on the pituitary gland (a pituitary adenoma) produces too much Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH). This excess ACTH signals the adrenal glands to release massive amounts of cortisol.
Can mental health conditions cause adrenal problems?
Psychological stress does activate the body’s stress response and temporarily increases cortisol production. However, stress itself does not usually cause adrenal gland failure or disorders like Addison’s disease or Cushing syndrome. The popular idea of “adrenal fatigue” as a medical diagnosis is not supported by scientific evidence.