Discover specialized care for adrenal disorders at Atlantic Endocrinology.
Navigating adrenal disorders can be complex and challenging. Atlantic Endocrinology is here to provide you with the expertise and support you need. With our specialized endocrinologists, state-of-the-art tools, and a compassionate approach, we are dedicated to helping you manage and improve your adrenal health. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to delivering tailored solutions to address your unique needs.
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Meet the Experts Behind Your Care: The Atlantic Endocrinology team comprises dedicated professionals with extensive experience in adrenal disorders. Trust in our expertise and commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.
Here is a short video to talk about Pituitary adrenal disease:
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and make hormones that are essential for various body functions. The adrenal glands make three types of steroid hormones. When they are not producing enough of these steroid hormones, it is called adrenal insufficiency (AI) and can lead to Pituitary Adrenal Disease.
Symptoms usually build. Often patients don’t know they are suffering from adrenal insufficiency until symptoms worsen to a noticeable degree. The most common symptoms of AI are:
• Fatigue.
• Muscle weakness.
• Decreased appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Low blood pressure.
• Dizziness.
• Symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating.
• Irregular menstrual periods.
There are different conditions related to your adrenal glands. Some of the most common include:
• Addison’s disease: Also called adrenal insufficiency. In this disorder, you don’t produce enough cortisol and/or aldosterone.
• Cushing’s syndrome: In this disorder, your levels of cortisol are too high. This term can be applied when large doses of steroids are given to treat certain medical conditions.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This term refers to a genetic condition in which your adrenal glands are not able to make cortisol well. As a result, ACTH is elevated. Depending on the defect higher levels of male hormone might be made.
• Adrenal gland suppression: This is a type of adrenal insufficiency that is related to outside sources of cortisol or related synthetic hormones such as prednisone or dexamethasone.
• Hyperaldosteronism: If you have this condition, your body produces too much aldosterone which can lead to blood pressure elevation and potassium loss.
• Virilization: This condition happens when your body produces too much of the male sex hormones and is only apparent in females or boys before puberty.
There are also conditions of the adrenal glands related to growths (tumors). These include:
• Adrenal gland tumors: Tumors can disrupt hormone output, but are usually non cancerous.
• Adrenocortical carcinoma: This rare condition refers to cancer forming in the adrenal gland’s outer layer.
• Pheochromocytoma: If you have this condition, your glands make too much epinephrine and norepinephrine which can raise blood pressure or make your heart race.
• Pituitary tumors: Abnormal growth on the pituitary gland can cause adrenal gland conditions by disrupting the number of hormones made by the adrenal glands. ACTH producing tumors cause Cushing’s disease. If tumors are large enough, they may press on the normal pituitary cells and cause deficiency of ACTH and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Treatment of Pituitary Adrenal Disease disorders depend on the disorder itself. Some conditions will require medications to add to hormone levels. Your specialist at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center may suggest surgery or radiation for disorders that involve tumors.
The adrenal glands play an important part in keeping your body healthy. Disorders of these glands can affect many body functions. Your endocrinologist will regularly monitor your condition. Your treatment plan might change when your situation changes, such as when you are in a high-stress time during an illness or surgery. Most of the adrenal disorders are manageable when you are seen by an endocrinologist in our team.
Symptoms can vary; it’s essential to consult with a specialist for proper assessment and diagnosis.
We provide a range of treatments based on individual needs, from medication to advanced therapies.
Adrenal disorders affect the adrenal glands, impacting hormone production which can lead to various health issues.
While we specialize in adrenal disorders, our endocrinologists are equipped to treat a variety of endocrine system issues.