{"id":17000,"date":"2025-09-15T10:21:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:21:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/?p=17000"},"modified":"2025-09-15T10:21:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:21:35","slug":"adrenal-disorders-a-hidden-problem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valuecare.wpgamma.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/15\/adrenal-disorders-a-hidden-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"Adrenal Disorders – A Hidden Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

What do your\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u00a0do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u00a0are two walnut-sized structures situated above each of your two kidneys. They consist of two separate regions: an inner adrenal medulla surrounded by an outer adrenal cortex.<\/p>\n

The function of the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u00a0is performed by a wide variety of hormones released by these structures and is mostly directed at the physiological response to\u00a0Stress<\/a>. The medulla is responsible for producing epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline), which control the body\u2019s reaction to\u00a0Stress<\/a>\u00a0and affect blood pressure, heart rate and sweating.<\/p>\n

The adrenal cortex produces hormones such as cortisone and aldosterone which are necessary for fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance in the body as well as regulating the use of dietary protein, fats and carbohydrates and controlling inflammation.<\/p>\n

What can go wrong with your\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As with all structures of the body, the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u00a0are subject to a range of disorders and diseases.<\/p>\n

Major health problems can occur when the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u00a0produce too many or too few hormones. Two disorders caused by impaired functioning of these glands are Addison\u2019s disease and Cushing\u2019s syndrome. Addison\u2019s disease is caused by damage or disease to the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>, resulting in a deficiency of the hormone cortisol. The overproduction of cortisol by the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u00a0leads to Cushing\u2019s syndrome.<\/p>\n

Cushing\u2019s syndrome may also result when steroid drugs (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone or dexamethasone) are taken over a prolonged period or at high doses. These steroid hormones are often used to treat inflammatory illnesses such as asthma,\u00a0Rheumatoid<\/a>\u00a0Arthritis<\/a>\u00a0and inflammatory bowel diseases.<\/p>\n

Additionally, long-term treatment with these medications can inhibit normal pituitary function (which usually controls the adrenals) and cause secondary\u00a0Adrenal Insufficiency<\/a>.\u00a0Adrenal Insufficiency<\/a>\u00a0or Adrenal fatigue is a common problem characterized by a deficiency of the hormones produced by the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>.<\/p>\n

High\u00a0Stress<\/a>\u00a0levels, which are often accompanied by an unhealthy lifestyle, can weaken the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>. When\u00a0Stress<\/a>\u00a0continues over a long time, the\u00a0Adrenal Glands<\/a>\u2019 response to this\u00a0Stress<\/a>\u00a0can deplete the body\u2019s hormonal and energy reserves, and the glands may either shrink in size or hypertrophy (enlarge). The overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged\u00a0Stress<\/a>\u00a0can weaken the\u00a0Immune System<\/a>, disrupt the\u00a0Metabolism<\/a>, cause weakness, fatigue and a feeling of being run down. It can also interfere with normal sleep and cause a light and unrelaxing sleep state which can make one feel worn out even after a full night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n

Adrenal Insufficiency<\/a>\u00a0is sometimes linked to chronic fatigue and\u00a0Thyroid Problems<\/a>\u00a0as well.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of\u00a0Adrenal Disease<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Adrenal Disease<\/a>\u00a0may often go unnoticed until far advanced. When symptoms do appear they are often vague and may include:<\/p>\n