Adrenal Disorders

Overview

Adrenal disorders affect the adrenal glands, small glands above each kidney that produce cortisol and other essential hormones. They include Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol) and adrenal insufficiency (insufficient cortisol), both of which require careful, individualised management.

Symptoms

• Unexplained weight changes
• Persistent fatigue
• Blood pressure changes
• Skin changes, such as stretch marks or darkening
• Muscle weakness

Causes & Risk Factors

Adrenal disorders can result from adrenal tumours, autoimmune adrenalitis, pituitary dysfunction affecting adrenal signalling, or long-term steroid medication use.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves cortisol testing (blood, salivary or urine), ACTH levels, and imaging such as CT or MRI of the adrenal glands.

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the specific adrenal condition and may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy for insufficiency
• Medication to reduce excess cortisol production
• Referral for surgical evaluation when a tumour is identified

Benefits Of Treatment At Our Clinic

• Careful, individualised hormone titration to avoid both under- and over-replacement
• Close monitoring of related blood pressure and metabolic effects
• Individualised treatment plans, not generic protocols
• Timely referral for surgical evaluation when needed