Adrenal insufficiency is a disorder in which your adrenal gland does not produce enough cortisol. As a result, patients can experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, appetite change, and muscle weakness. Adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed with a series of lab tests and is treated with an oral steroid.

Adrenal nodules are often incidental findings and can occur in one or both adrenal glands. These nodule(s) can be benign or malignant, and can have no effect or disrupt normal adrenal hormone balance. Screening for adrenal hormones is needed to determine if the nodule (s) are producing excess amounts, or causing deficient amounts of adrenal hormones to be made. Adrenal nodules can cause symptoms including excessive weight gain or weight loss, high or low blood pressure, headaches, palpitations, muscle spasms, fatigue, or decreased sex drive. Adrenal nodules are monitored or surgically removed, depending on their effects on hormonal balance.

Cushing’s syndrome is the set of symptoms that results when there is a surplus of cortisol in the body. There are two types of Cushing syndrome: exogenous (caused by factors outside the body) and endogenous (caused by factors within the body). The most common cause of exogenous Cushing syndrome is long term use of cortisol-like medications (steroids) such as prednisone. Endogenous Cushing syndrome is most often caused by hormone-secreting tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands. Symptoms include: rounded face, extra fat on the upper back, high blood pressure, muscle loss, weakness, purple striae on the lower abdomen, and rapid weight gain. Cortisol excess can be treated with medication, radiation, or surgery.

**Our office treats the full spectrum of adrenal disorders, as well as the hormonal imbalances which may occur as a result of adrenal disorders. If you have been diagnosed with, or believe you may have an adrenal disorder (adrenal insufficiency, adrenal nodules, primary hyperaldosteronism, Cushings, pheochromocytoma, ect) contact us for an appointment.