Know all about Adrenal Disorders and its Types by Endocrinologist Dr. Gita Majdi

Dr. Gita Majdi is an American Board Certified and one of the best Endocrinologists in Dubai. At present, she is serving at American Hospital Dubai. With experience of more than 25 years in the field of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, she holds expertise in diabetes care, treating thyroid disorders, and weight management. She completed Internal Medicine training at Queen's University and pursued a two-year fellowship program at the University of Western Ontario Canada. She is an esteemed and professional member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Endocrine Society, The Obesity Society and, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Adrenal Disorders

The adrenal glands are triangle-shaped small glands located above each kidney. Certain conditions can lead to problems with the adrenal gland function. They are also known as suprarenal glands. They generate hormones that are required to keep metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, and stress response in balance. When these glands start making too much or too little hormones number of certain hormones it results in adrenal disorders. Adrenal glands produce hydrocortisone, adrenaline, and aldosterone hormones.

Some of the common types of adrenal disorders are

• Addison’s disease – In this disorder, the body stops producing enough cortisol and aldosterone.
• Cushing’s syndrome - In this disorder, the cortisol levels become too high. It may also occur when large doses of steroids are given to treat certain medical conditions.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia – It is a genetic condition where the adrenal glands are not able to make cortisol well resulting in an elevation of ACTH. Depending on the defect it may generate higher levels of male hormone.
• Adrenal Gland Suppression - This is a lack of adrenal related to outside sources of cortisol. It is also related to synthetic hormones like prednisone or dexamethasone.
• Hyperaldosteronism – Here the body produces too much aldosterone leading to elevation in blood pressure and loss of potassium.
• Virilization – In this state, the body produces too many male sex hormones and is only apparent in females or boys before puberty.

Adrenal glands are related to unusual growths like tumours. These include:

1. Adrenal Gland Tumours - Tumours in the adrenal gland can disrupt hormone output. But these are generally noncancerous.
2. Adrenocortical Carcinoma – It is a state where the cancer is formed in the adrenal gland’s outer layer.
3. Pheochromocytoma – Here the glands start making too much epinephrine and norepinephrine that elivates blood pressure or make your heart race.
4. Pituitary Tumours - Abnormal growth on the pituitary gland resulting in adrenal gland conditions that disrupt the number of hormones made by the adrenal glands.  It results in Cushing’s disease that occurs due to ACTH producing tumours. The large tumours may press the normal pituitary cells and cause deficiency of ACTH and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Take away

The treatment of adrenal disorder depends on its type. They are certain medications that help in balancing the hormonal levels. In some conditions, certain surgeries or radiation are required for the cure of this disorder. For detailed consultation contact Dr. Gita Majdi one of the well-known Endocrinologists in UAE. You can meet her at American Hospital Dubai.