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.

Understanding the Context

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. For hyperaldosteronism caused by an excessive growth of normal cells in both adrenal glands, the treatment involves medications that block the effect of aldosterone. The treatment for hyperaldosteronism caused by a non-cancerous tumor in one adrenal gland is removing the affected gland using laparoscopic (pronounced la-puh-re-SKOP-ic) surgery.

Key Insights

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 Adrenal Gland Tumors Most adrenal gland tumors—abnormal growths on the adrenal glands—are not cancerous. They often do not cause symptoms or require treatment. However, adrenal gland tumors can produce a variety of different hormones, leading hormone levels to get too high. Cushing's syndrome, by producing cortisol so that body levels get ... The adrenal glands are vital to controlling the way the body reacts to stress, commonly called the "fight or flight" response.

Final Thoughts

The adrenal glands also produces hormones that are particularly important during puberty and pregnancy. Adrenal gland disorders disrupt the production of hormones.