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Constant fatigue, sudden fluctuations in blood pressure, changes in body weight without obvious reasons, menstrual cycle disorders or increased anxiety — sometimes these symptoms are associated not only with stress or lifestyle. One of the possible causes may be diseases of the adrenal glands — small but extremely important endocrine glands.
The adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, metabolism, blood glucose levels, response to stress, water-salt balance and reproductive function. When dysfunction of the adrenal glands occurs, it can affect practically all systems of the body. That is why it is important to consult an endocrinologist in a timely manner and undergo a comprehensive examination.
Some endocrine diseases of the adrenal glands are accompanied by excessive or insufficient production of hormones, while others may not affect their level for a long time and not cause pronounced symptoms. It is hormonal imbalance that most often becomes the cause of changes in well-being.
The most common diseases:
Primary adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce an insufficient amount of cortisol and aldosterone. This leads to constant weakness, decreased blood pressure, weight loss, and disturbance of water-salt balance.
Develops with prolonged excess of cortisol in the body. It may manifest as weight gain (mainly in the abdominal area and face), increased blood pressure, thinning of the skin, appearance of stretch marks, and disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism.
Associated with excessive production of aldosterone. The main manifestations are persistent arterial hypertension, muscle weakness, and decreased potassium levels in the blood.
Tumors of the adrenal glands that may disrupt hormone production or not cause symptoms for a long time. Such formations are often detected incidentally during examination for another reason.
A genetically determined disorder of hormone synthesis that more often manifests in childhood and requires constant medical supervision.
The function of the adrenal glands can be disrupted for various reasons — both congenital and acquired during life. In most cases, the problem is associated either with damage to the gland tissue or with impaired regulation of hormone production.
Main causes:
Autoimmune processes. The immune system mistakenly attacks its own adrenal cells, which gradually reduces their ability to produce hormones. This is how Addison’s disease most often develops.
Genetic disorders. Some diseases are inherited and are associated with enzyme defects that participate in hormone synthesis.
Tumorous formations. Neoplasms may alter the structure of the adrenal gland or affect the amount of hormones produced.
Long-term use of hormonal medications (glucocorticoids). Abrupt withdrawal or an incorrect regimen may suppress the body’s own adrenal function.
Infectious lesions. In rare cases, severe infections may damage the gland tissue.
Impaired blood supply. Hemorrhages or thrombosis of the adrenal vessels may lead to acute adrenal insufficiency.
Prolonged severe stress. Chronic overload may exhaust the regulatory mechanisms of the body, which sometimes affects hormonal balance.
In most cases, adrenal gland diseases do not occur suddenly. There is often a combination of several factors — genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, concomitant diseases or prolonged medicinal exposure. That is why it is important to determine the exact cause of adrenal dysfunction. This makes it possible to choose the correct treatment strategy and prevent the development of complications.
The manifestations depend on which hormones are produced
in excess or in insufficient amounts.
The most common symptoms of adrenal gland diseases:
persistent or sudden fluctuations in blood pressure;
heart rhythm disturbances, sweating, headache;
constant fatigue, muscle weakness;
changes in body weight without an obvious cause.
Depending on the specific disease, additional signs may appear — skin pigmentation, changes in appearance, menstrual cycle disorders, excessive hair growth in women. If inflammation of the adrenal glands is present, symptoms may include pain in the lumbar region, general weakness, increased body temperature and loss of appetite.
In women, hormonal changes are often masked as gynecological or metabolic problems — irregular cycle, infertility, excessive hair growth, fluctuations in body weight. That is why adrenal gland diseases in women require thorough differential diagnosis with polycystic ovary syndrome, disorders of thyroid gland function or pituitary gland.
Diagnosis is aimed at two key tasks: to determine whether hormone levels are altered and to clarify whether there are structural changes in the adrenal glands themselves. Examinations are prescribed individually depending on the symptoms.
The first stage usually consists of laboratory tests of blood and urine. They make it possible to assess indicators reflecting adrenal function, as well as to identify concomitant disorders — changes in electrolyte levels, glucose, etc.
To assess the structure of the adrenal glands, imaging methods are used. The most informative is CT of the kidneys and adrenal glands, which makes it possible to determine the size of the organ, detect neoplasms or other tissue changes. If necessary, MRI is performed for a more detailed characterization of the detected neoplasms.
Comprehensive interpretation of the results makes it possible to distinguish functional disorders from tumor processes and determine the further treatment or observation strategy.
Modern clinical recommendations предусматривают an individual approach to the treatment of each patient. The strategy depends on the specific diagnosis, the degree of adrenal dysfunction and the presence of concomitant diseases.
Main principles of condition correction include:
regular laboratory monitoring of indicators reflecting adrenal function;
medication therapy to compensate for deficiency or reduce excessive hormone secretion;
control and correction of blood pressure;
normalization of water-electrolyte balance;
surgical treatment in the presence of neoplasms or in the absence of effect from conservative therapy.
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis are recommended regular follow-up with an endocrinologist. Follow-up examinations allow timely adjustment of treatment and prevention of the development of complications.
At the medical center «Oxford Medical» in Kyiv, patients can undergo comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of adrenal gland diseases. The endocrinologist evaluates the examination results and determines an individual treatment strategy.
It may include:
replacement therapy in case of adrenal insufficiency;
medication-based correction of excessive hormone production;
therapy to stabilize blood pressure and metabolic processes;
surgical treatment when indicated.
Treatment at the clinic «Oxford Medical» is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine and an individual approach. After establishing the diagnosis, the doctor forms a clear action plan with step-by-step monitoring of therapy effectiveness. The patient receives recommendations regarding lifestyle, medication support and the schedule of follow-up examinations. Such a systematic approach makes it possible to stabilize the condition, minimize the risk of complications and achieve the maximum possible treatment result.
The cost of treatment depends on the established diagnosis and the chosen therapy strategy. At the initial stage, the list of necessary examinations is determined, after which the doctor forms an individual plan of further actions. You can ознакомиться with current prices for doctor consultations and other medical services here. More detailed information regarding the examination and treatment program will be provided by the doctor during the consultation. You can make an appointment at a convenient time by phone or by using the online booking form on the website.
Nutrition is adjusted depending on the specific diagnosis and clinical situation. For example, in adrenal insufficiency a doctor may recommend individual adjustment of salt intake, especially if the patient has a tendency to low blood pressure or sodium loss. In Cushing's syndrome, on the contrary, restriction of salt and simple carbohydrates, control of caloric intake, and prevention of increased glucose levels are appropriate. If there are disturbances of electrolyte balance, the diet is adjusted taking into account the level of potassium in the blood. Specific recommendations are determined by the doctor after assessing the patient's condition.
The duration of treatment depends on the cause of the disorder. In chronic adrenal insufficiency, replacement therapy may be long-term. If the problem is associated with a tumor formation and it has been removed, further treatment may be limited to observation or a short period of medical support. In cases of functional disorders, the duration of therapy is determined by the dynamics of indicators and the patient's condition.
The possibility of complete recovery depends on the type of disease. Some conditions, in particular certain tumor processes after treatment, can be completely eliminated. At the same time, in autoimmune or genetic disorders, the goal of therapy is to ensure stable compensation of the condition and prevent complications. With regular monitoring and properly selected therapy, patients can lead a full life without significant restrictions.
Diagnostics using expert-class equipment. Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and laboratory tests allow accurate assessment of the condition of the adrenal glands and detection of even early changes.
Experienced endocrinologists. Appointments are conducted by specialists with many years of experience who work according to modern clinical protocols.
Comprehensive therapy. Treatment is selected individually and may include medical correction, replacement therapy, control of concomitant disorders, and, if indicated, surgical intervention.
Convenient location of medical centers. Our clinics are located in different districts of Kyiv, which simplifies visit planning.
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