What Are the Symptoms of Overactive Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal gland, situated above the kidney, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, immune function, and stress response. When it becomes overactive, excessive amounts of hormones are produced, leading to several health issues. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for overactive adrenal glands.

High levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, also known as epinephrine and norepinephrine, can cause high blood pressure, anxiety, and headaches due to an overactive adrenal gland. Excessive production of aldosterone, on the other hand, leads to symptoms such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, weakness, muscle spasms, muscle aches, and rarely, paralysis.

In women, irregular or stopped menstrual cycles can occur, while men may experience excess facial hair, body hair growth, baldness, deepening of the voice, acne, and increased muscle mass. Overproduction of cortisol, also known as Cushing syndrome, causes fragile skin, purple or pink stretch marks, easy bruising, moon face, upper body obesity, formation of a fatty hump, increased fat accumulation in the neck and shoulders, thinning arms and legs, weak bones, poor wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections.

The adrenal glands produce four essential hormones: steroid hormones (cortisol and androgenic steroids), aldosterone, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. The symptoms of overactive adrenals depend on the specific hormone being overproduced.

In some cases, an overactive adrenal gland can be caused by unknown reasons or benign tumors of the adrenal glands. Rarely, cancerous tumors or taking high doses of steroid medicines like prednisone for extended periods can also lead to overactive adrenal glands.

Treatment options for overactive adrenal glands depend on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Adrenal gland above kidney