Your adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system and produce hormones you can’t live without. There are many types of adrenal diseases that affect hormone production. At Princeton Endocrinology Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, the experienced providers have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal disease. To schedule an appointment with providers that take a patient-centered approach to care, contact the office by phone or through the online booking tool today.
Adrenal Disease Q & A
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located at the top of each of your kidneys. Part of your endocrine system, your adrenal glands produce and secrete hormones that control metabolism, blood pressure, and immune health, as well as the hormones that help you manage stress.
Some of the hormones produced by your adrenal glands include:
- Cortisol
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine
- Aldosterone
- DHEA and androgenic steroids
Any change in structure or function of your adrenal glands affects the production and secretion of these hormones, which affects your health and wellness.
What is adrenal disease?
Adrenal disease is a general term that includes many of the conditions that affect the function or structure of your adrenal gland.
Some of the most common adrenal diseases include:
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency is a rare adrenal condition that results in a decrease in the production of adrenal hormones. Types of adrenal insufficiency conditions include Addison’s disease, primary adrenal insufficiency, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
With adrenal insufficiency, you may experience a poor appetite, unexpected weight loss, or abdominal pain.
Cushing’s syndrome
With Cushing’s syndrome, your adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol, one of your primary stress hormones. Too much cortisol may cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure.
Cushing’s syndrome may develop from a problem with your pituitary gland, which is a tiny gland found at the base of your skull that controls the function of your adrenal gland.
What can I expect during a consultation to discuss adrenal disease?
The providers at Princeton Endocrinology Associates have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating adrenal disease.
They take a patient-centered approach to care and you can expect a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation when you come to the office looking for help for possible adrenal gland problems.
During your exam, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms and your medical and family history, and then performs a physical exam. To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, your provider may request diagnostic testing to assess your hormone levels.
Diagnostic imaging may also be requested to further evaluate your adrenal glands and look for tumors that may be affecting function.
How is adrenal disease treated?
Your experienced provider at Princeton Endocrinology Associates creates a personalized treatment plan to manage your adrenal disease based on your diagnosis and symptoms.
Treatment for adrenal disease may include medication to slow down hormone production or hormone replacement therapy to optimize hormone balance. In the same cases, surgery is recommended to remove any tumors.
Princeton Endocrinology Associates is dedicated to providing the best possible care to optimize health and wellness. For comprehensive personalized management of your adrenal disease, call the office or book an appointment online today.
