In turn, this can cause Addison’s disease. Suddenly stopping taking glucocorticoids (such as prednisone) can cause adrenal insufficiency.

Taking high-dose steroids can cause Cushing’s disease. The most common problem is with the pituitary gland, which helps regulate the adrenal gland.

Problems with other endocrine (hormone) glands.

Tumors, including pheochromocytomas (a rare tumor that can cause the adrenal gland to make too many hormones).

Genetic conditions a person is born with.

The most common causes of these disorders are: Pituitary tumors are nearly always benign.Īdrenal gland disorders can be caused by medication or the body itself. The pituitary gland produces hormones that affect how the body works in many ways.

In some cases Cushing’s disease is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Cushing’s disease – when the adrenal glands make too much cortisol.Conn’s syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism) – overproduction by the adrenal glands of hormones called mineralocorticoids (aldosterone).As many as 1 in 100 people have mild CAH. CAH also can cause other hormone problems. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) – a genetic disorder that prevents the body from making enough cortisol.Adrenal incidentaloma – tumors or masses (1cm or larger in size) found on the adrenal gland during an examination for some other condition.Adrenal cancer – a rare, aggressive type of cancer in the outside layer of the adrenal gland.

This means they do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and/or aldosterone. With Addison’s disease, the body’s adrenal glands are underactive. Addison’s disease (also called adrenal insufficiency) – a potentially life-threatening disease that occurs in about 4 in every 100,000 people.People may experience any of several types of disorders of the adrenal gland, including: They also help regulate how the body uses salt and potassium, and how people’s bodies mature sexually and maintain pregnancy. These hormones also regulate the way the body functions.Īdrenal–related functions that can be affected by adrenal gland disorders include blood pressure, heart rate, sweating and the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. The glands produce hormones that control the body’s “fight or flight” instinct, which is the physiological reaction to a perceived attack or a health threat. The adrenal glands are endocrine (hormone) glands that are located near the top of each kidney, and disorders of these adrenal glands can disrupt several important functions of the body. Schedule an AppointmentContact us at 30 or Request an Appointment Online What are adrenal gland disorders?

Location of adrenal gland in human body