ADRENAL CORTEX

ADRENAL CORTEX HORMONES & THEIR FUNCTIONS

• CORTISOL – A glucocorticoid that regulates metabolism, reduces inflammation, and helps the body respond to stress. Maintains blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

• ALDOSTERONE – A mineralocorticoid that controls sodium and potassium balance in the blood. Maintains blood pressure by regulating fluid retention in the kidneys.

• ANDROGENS – Weak male sex hormones (like DHEA) that contribute to secondary sexual characteristics in both men and women. They play a minor role in males but can influence hair growth and libido in females.

DISORDERS OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX

1. HYPERACTIVITY OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX

• Excess hormone production can lead to various disorders, depending on which hormone is overproduced.

• CUSHING’S SYNDROME – Caused by excessive CORTISOL secretion.

  • Symptoms: Weight gain (especially in the face and abdomen), thinning skin, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

  • Common causes: Prolonged corticosteroid use, pituitary tumors (Cushing’s disease), or adrenal tumors.

• HYPERALDOSTERONISM – Excessive ALDOSTERONE secretion leads to fluid retention and high blood pressure.

  • Symptoms: Hypertension, muscle weakness, frequent urination, and low potassium levels.

  • Common causes: Adrenal adenoma (Conn’s syndrome) or adrenal hyperplasia.

• ADRENOGENITAL SYNDROME (CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA) – Excess ANDROGENS cause abnormal sexual development.

  • Symptoms in females: Excess body hair, deepened voice, menstrual irregularities.

  • Symptoms in males: Early puberty, excessive muscle growth.

  • Common cause: Genetic enzyme deficiency leading to hormone imbalance.

2. HYPOACTIVITY OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX

• Insufficient hormone production affects metabolism, stress response, and electrolyte balance.

• ADDISON’S DISEASE – Deficiency of CORTISOL and ALDOSTERONE.

  • Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, darkening of the skin, weight loss, salt cravings, nausea, and muscle weakness.

  • Common causes: Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex, infections (like tuberculosis), or adrenal hemorrhage.

• HYPOALDOSTERONISM – Low ALDOSTERONE leads to dehydration and low blood pressure.

  • Symptoms: Fatigue, dizziness, high potassium levels, irregular heartbeat.

  • Common causes: Adrenal insufficiency, kidney disease, certain medications.