Publisher Adrenal Stress Connection (Dr. Karen Jensen ND & Dr. Marita Schauch BSc N.D.)

Adrenal Disorders

The adrenal glands perform quite a few different processes in the body – but most importantly, they help us manage our stress...
The adrenal glands are small crescent-shaped organs located on the top of each kidney. They are responsible for maintaining a number of body processes including: blood pressure, stress responses and balancing of our sex hormones (fertility and sexual maturation). Each part of the gland performs a unique function, all of which are essential for health.

Structure of the Adrenal Gland
The adrenal gland is made up of two major parts: an internal medulla surrounded by an outer layer called the cortex. The adrenal medulla is responsible for the release of epinephrine (adrenaline).

The adrenal cortex is more complex and is further divided into three layers known as "zones". Each zone has a particular function and releases specific hormones. These hormones are aldosterone, cortisol, as well as several sex hormones. All of these hormones are derived from cholesterol, so sufficient cholesterol intake is required for their synthesis.

HORMONES OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS
The major role of the adrenal glands in our bodies is to produce a number of different hormones. Each hormone is responsible for maintaining a unique part of our homeostasis (the balance in our body).

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
The adrenal medulla is the central region of the gland and is responsible for secreting epinephrine (adrenaline). If you've ever been scared or startled, then you are familiar with the effects of epinephrine in the body. This hormone is responsible for the "fight or flight" response of our ancestors. It prepares the body for sudden exertion such as running away from or turning to fight a threat.

Aldosterone
The outer layer of the adrenal cortex releases the hormone aldosterone, which makes the kidney hold on to potassium and sodium and keep them in the body. Because higher levels of these ions are present in the blood, they draw more water in to dilute them, which increases blood pressure and maintains hydration of our tissues. It also maintains the ion balance in the intestines.

Cortisol
The middle layer of the adrenal cortex releases the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for our ability to adapt to long-term stress. It stimulates the liver to produce glucose, and fat cells to release free fatty acids as quick food for our cells. It freezes most of the other metabolic processes in the body such as anabolism (cellular growth), immunity and even inflammation. It also prevents the body cells from properly using glucose, causing a condition much like diabetes.

Sex Hormones
The inner layer of the adrenal cortex continually secretes DHEA, androgens, progesterone and estrogen. These hormones act to balance those released by our gonads (sexual organs). During development they are required to cause the proper development of male sexual organs.

ADRENAL DISORDERS

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
This condition is caused by an enzyme deficiency and results in newborn babies having ambiguous genitalia. This deficiency prevents the proper synthesis of all of the hormones of the adrenal cortex, particularly cortisol. This can result in a number of potentially life threatening symptoms depending on the severity of the condition.

Addison's Disease
The condition called Addison’s disease, occurs when there is not sufficient steroid hormone production. It is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by the body’s attack on the adrenal gland. Sometimes the disorder occurs concurrently with other autoimmune disorders however not as a rule. The symptoms for Addison’s are varied, and may confuse sufferers by their assumed non-relatedness. Symptoms include: light-headedness, weight loss, nausea, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, muscle weakness, sweating and joint pain. In severe cases this disease can cause dangerous symptoms like low blood pressure and coma. One way to identify Addison’s, is by looking for a combination of darkened skin along creases and old scars and lowered blood pressure.

Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is caused by excess cortisol in the body. This can be due to external sources or due to over production by the adrenal cortex. People with Cushing's syndrome have central obesity, growth failure, hirsutism (females taking on male sexual characteristics), acne, and a large round moon-face.

Adrenal Atrophy
Conventional treatment with high dose or long-term use of corticosteroids, commonly recommended for asthma and arthritis, can lead to a shrinking of the adrenal glands. As they shrink, their ability to function is reduced.

Adrenal Failure
Frank adrenal failure is an extremely rare, but serious condition not to be confused with adrenal fatigue. Symptoms of this condition are severe abdominal pains, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, profound fatigue, depression, extremely low blood pressure, weight loss, kidney failure, and eventually shock. The final stage is known as adrenal crisis and if left untreated can quickly result in death.

Adrenal Depletion / Adrenal "Fatigue"
Although this condition is not a clinical diagnosis, it is a term used to describe when prolonged stress begins to take a physical toll on the body. Signs of low adrenal function are those that we associate with being "stressed out" such as: lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings and blood sugar imbalances. As the dysfunction gets more serious other symptoms can occur such as: fainting, diarrhea, depression, moodiness, feeling cold, discolouration of the skin, swelling and loss of body hair.

Although almost all of these conditions must be managed by an endocrinologist, there is much that can be done to support the proper function of the adrenal gland while treatment occurs.