Obvious and hidden symptoms of adrenal gland diseases in women

As is known, in the human body there are many mechanisms necessary for the regulation of life. One of them is the endocrine system, which is responsible for the formation and secretion of hormones. It includes organs such as the thyroid and pancreas, adrenal glands, and reproductive cells. Each of them is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones and their own functions. One of the most important endocrine glands is the adrenal glands. Despite their small size, they provide regulation of many processes occurring in the human body. This is due to the fact that the adrenal glands secrete several hormones at once, each of which performs a specific role.

Functions and structure of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are paired organs that are located in the retroperitoneum. They are located right on the upper surface of the kidneys and have their own capsule. The right and left glands differ from each other in shape, but have approximately the same size and location. Both adrenal glands consist of two layers: the cortex and the medulla. The first occupies the bulk of the thickness of the organs. Thanks to it, water-salt balance, mineral metabolism are maintained, and sexual functions are also ensured. The adrenal medulla occupies a smaller part, but its role is also very important for life. Thanks to it, hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine enter the blood. These substances are necessary not only for the normal functioning of the heart, but are also one of the main mediators of the nervous system. The structure and functions of the adrenal glands are directly related to each other, since each zone of these organs is responsible for the production of its own hormone. This allows you to diagnose disorders of a specific area of ​​the gland.

Adrenal hormonal disorder

Failure of the adrenal glands leads to the development of life-threatening diseases and pathological conditions. They require accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. The list of the most common diseases associated with adrenal dysfunction includes:

Adrenal cortex

Beneath the fibrous capsule is the adrenal cortex. It occupies 90% of the thickness of the gland. In turn, this layer is divided into 3 parts. The zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and reticularis are part of one anatomical formation called the “adrenal cortex.” The functions of each of these layers are different. They are associated with hormones that are produced in a particular zone. The glomerular layer is responsible for maintaining mineral metabolism in the body. It releases hormones such as aldosterone and corticosterone into the blood. Thanks to their action, the functioning of the renal tubules is regulated, as a result of which excess fluid is not retained in the body. In addition to maintaining ion exchange, these hormones help maintain normal blood pressure. The functions of the adrenal glands are also determined by the zona fasciculata of the cortex. It produces glucocorticosteroids - the main regulators of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. In addition, these hormones are in close relationship with catecholamines and insulin. Corticosteroids affect many processes occurring in the body. Among them are suppression of inflammatory reactions, dilation of the bronchi, reduction of the immune response, etc. The reticular zone of the cortex produces androgens - sex hormones responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

The role of corticosteroids in the body

Corticosteroids are a subclass of steroid hormones that have glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid activity. Depending on the predominance of one or another type of activity, they are, respectively, divided into glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids in the body:

• stimulate the production of glucose and amino acids (gluconeogenesis);
• have an inhibitory effect on allergic and inflammatory reactions;
• increase the excitability of the nervous system;
• reduce the proliferation of connective tissue;
• have a strong anti-stress and anti-shock effect;
• capable of increasing blood pressure, the sensitivity of the heart muscle and vascular wall to catecholamines;
• stimulate erythropoiesis, neutrophilopoiesis, inhibit eosinophilopoiesis;
• reduce tissue sensitivity to insulin;
• have an immunoregulatory effect.

Cortisol is the most active glucocorticoid in the human body, which plays an important role in the formation of the body’s protective reactions (to hunger, stressful situations) and is involved in many metabolic processes.

During pregnancy, the concentration of cortisol in the blood can increase 2-5 times. The increase in cortisol levels during this period is physiological, not pathological. Persistently elevated cortisol levels can occur during frequent stressful situations.

Mineralocorticoids

Mineralocorticoids have a strong effect on water-salt metabolism. Under their influence, there is an increase in the volume of circulating blood and an increase in systemic blood pressure. In pathological cases, this can lead to the formation of edema, arterial hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

The most active mineralocorticoid in humans is aldosterone. Its functions:

• causes a delay in the excretion of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) from the body, increases the excretion of potassium (K) by the kidneys;
• affects muscle tone and heart rate.

An increase in the concentration of aldosterone in the blood can lead to disturbances in the functioning of the heart, decreased muscle tone, and convulsions.

A reduced level of aldosterone in the blood can be observed after long-term illnesses, chronic stress, and the presence of neoplasms. When aldosterone concentrations are low, blood pressure decreases and symptoms of heart pathologies may appear.

Adrenal medulla

The functions of the adrenal glands largely depend on the medulla. This is where adrenaline is produced. This hormone is responsible for such important indicators as blood pressure and pulse. Adrenaline, otherwise known as epinephrine, is released into the blood under the influence of stressful situations. At rest, the hormone is released only in small quantities. The adrenal medulla produces and stores adrenaline. The functions of this hormone are also related to the transmission of nerve impulses. In this case, adrenaline acts as a mediator.

Functions of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands, or endocrine glands as they are also called, are aimed at regulating certain processes in the human body, such as:

• significant reduction in pain activity;
• promoting the absorption of potassium and sodium, as well as their removal from the human body;
• stopping inflammatory processes in the body;
• regulate blood pressure and normalize the cardiovascular system and heartbeat itself;
• normalize a woman’s emotional state;
• participate in the process of producing gastric juice;
• regulate intestinal motility;
• normalization of mineral and carbohydrate metabolism.

The adrenal glands regulate blood pressure

Note! Among other things, the cortical substances, which are vital, are also involved in the hormonal processes of the human genital organs.

Adrenal glands: hormones and functions in the body

Although the adrenal cortex and medulla secrete different hormones, they are all interconnected. The functions of the adrenal glands are performed due to the close interaction of both layers. For example, adrenaline is released into the blood with the help of corticosteroids, which, as it were, “signal” the body about stress. In addition, hormones of the zona fasciculata are responsible for the regulation of all types of metabolism, which occurs due to their relationship with the secretions of the pancreas and thyroid glands. Their effect is aimed at helping such biogenic amines as thyroxine, glucagon and adrenaline. They also regulate the production of insulin by pancreatic cells. All this is carried out by the adrenal glands; their functions in the body are very important for life. If these glands are disrupted, the entire endocrine system can be affected.

Hormones

The adrenal cortex consists of three active layers that differ in structure and function: glomerular, fascicular and reticular.
About 30 different active substances are synthesized in the adrenal cortex.

Cortical hormones or corticosteroids are divided into three groups:

1. Glucocorticoids (zona fasciculata hormones).
2. Mineralocorticoids (hormones of the zona glomerulosa).
3. Sex hormones (hormones of the reticular zone).

Glucocorticoid hormones are involved in the vital processes of protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Some glucocorticoids can stimulate fluid retention in tissues. This group includes cortisone, hydrocortisone, and corticosteroids.

The mineralocorticosteroid hormones aldosterone and dehydrocorticosterone regulate water-salt metabolism and maintain normal kidney function.

Estrogens, androgens and progesterone, which belong to the group of sex hormones, regulate the formation of the external genitalia during the prenatal period. And during puberty, they stimulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics, the formation and implementation of the reproductive function of the body.

During pregnancy, the level of progesterone in women's blood increases, which is necessary for normal gestation.

This is a temporary physiological norm; some time after childbirth or artificial termination of pregnancy, the concentration of progesterone decreases to its original level.

The medulla produces catecholamines, better known as stress hormones, norepinephrine and adrenaline. Catecholamines are involved in almost all regulatory processes involving the nervous system.

Functions of the adrenal glands in women and men

In addition to the fact that the adrenal glands are involved in many vital processes, they are responsible for a person’s appearance, voice and sexual behavior. All this is provided by sex hormones - androgens, produced in the reticular zone of the cortex. It can be argued that the functions of the adrenal glands in women and men are identical. However, thanks to androgens in the zona reticularis, secondary sexual characteristics appear during adolescence. In women, it is characterized by a lack of facial hair, a thin voice and breast growth. Androgens in men contribute to the development of muscle mass, the appearance of a mustache and beard, and behavioral changes during adolescence.

General symptoms of adrenal diseases

Symptoms of the disease in men and women due to malfunction of the adrenal glands are similar. Common ones include:

• a sharp decrease or gain in body weight;
• the appearance of pigmentation on the skin (photo above);
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• hair growth in women on the body according to the male type in case of failure of several hormones at once;
• decreased memory and concentration;
• nausea, vomiting;
• obesity;
• decrease in blood pressure.

If such signs appear, you should contact an endocrinologist or therapist for an examination.

It is possible that a tumor may develop in one of the glands; in this case, you cannot do without the help of an oncologist and a surgeon.

A lack or excess of hormones can lead to a malfunction of all systems and organs and negatively affect reproductive function. With diseases of the adrenal glands, women begin to suffer intolerance to sunlight, constant depression, chest pain, the appearance of pigment spots on the skin, disruption of the monthly cycle, a decrease in breast size, and enlargement of the clitoris.

Only timely diagnosis of the presence of adrenal gland diseases in women can protect against serious pathologies and problems in the future.

Adrenal gland dysfunction

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands leads to various consequences for the body. Manifestations depend on the spread of the lesion to the gland tissue. In addition, the disorder may be associated with both hyper- and hyposecretion of hormones. Depending on this, one or another function of the human adrenal glands suffers. The most common symptoms are: increased blood pressure, female obesity, increased skin pigmentation (most often on the abdomen), alopecia. In addition to these manifestations, there are more serious problems, such as combined disorders of all types of metabolism, hermaphroditism, hypertensive crisis with the development of heart attack and stroke.

Diseases caused by malfunction of adrenal hormones

The effect of the small endocrine glands of the adrenal glands on the human body is great. If the level of secreted hormones does not correspond to the norm, then various diseases develop. Hormones of the adrenal gland regulate many functions of the body, starting with the laying of the organs of the unborn child and throughout life.

Common violations will be:

• Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, which secretes a lot of glucocorticoids. This manifests itself in increased blood pressure, obesity, diabetes develops, muscles weaken, skin becomes dry, bones become brittle, stomach ulcers may appear, and women experience infertility.
• Hyperaldosteronism of adrenal hormones. In this case, the adrenal glands release a lot of aldosterone. As a result, there is a retention of sodium and water in the body, which causes edema and increased blood pressure, which affects the nervous system and myocardium.
• Chronic adrenal insufficiency. It is also called Addison's disease. The disease affects up to 90% of the adrenal cortex, resulting in a sharp decrease in the production of hormones, in particular cortisol. This leads to tuberculosis, fungal diseases, and tumors.
• Hypoaldosteronism of the adrenal cortex. In this case, the adrenal glands do not synthesize enough aldosterone. More typical for men. Patients note general weakness, blood pressure drops, and possible fainting and convulsions. Diabetes mellitus subsequently develops.

Diseases that arise as a result of a failure in the production of adrenal hormones respond well to drug treatment. In addition, herbal medicine can normalize the condition.

Diseases caused by disorders of the adrenal cortex

There are many pathologies associated with disorders in the adrenal cortex. The most common of them are Cushing's disease and Conn's syndrome. The first is associated with increased formation and release of corticosteroids. The main manifestations of Itsenko-Cushing's disease: hyperglycemia, obesity of the face and upper half of the body, muscle weakness, increased pigmentation of the abdominal skin in the form of stripes (striae). Conn's syndrome develops when there is a disorder in the zona glomerulosa cortex. It is characterized by increased levels of aldosterone. Clinically, this is manifested by muscle weakness and cramps, itching, symptoms of diabetes - thirst and polyuria. Violations in the reticular zone in boys can lead to acceleration - early puberty or, on the contrary, to infantilism. Girls experience symptoms such as hirsutism - male-type hair growth, rough timbre of voice, underdevelopment of the mammary glands. In rare cases, disruption of the reticular zone leads to hermaphroditism. The combined deficiency of all cortical hormones is called Addison's disease.

Symptoms of adrenal gland disease, can they hurt?

Obesity is one of the symptoms of adrenal gland dysfunction

The signs of adrenal disease are quite varied. Here is an example from “another opera”. For example, everyone knows that the stomach, intestines, gallbladder and liver are all digestive organs located in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, a common symptom is abdominal pain. The adrenal glands cannot hurt.

More precisely, they can hurt, just like any internal organs, for example, with suppuration, with a rapid increase in adrenal tumor, with phlegmon of the retroperitoneal tissue. But these pains are not a specific sign of their damage, since such a symptom is disorders caused by a lack or excess of hormone synthesis.

Symptoms of adrenal disease in women may seem completely unrelated to each other. Let us list the main lesions of these important glands.

Conditions associated with increased hormone production

Diseases of the adrenal glands include Itsenko-Cushing disease and Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism (with increased production of mineralocorticoids), androsteroma (tumor that produces androgens). There may also be corticoestroma (found in men), as well as mixed tumors that produce different hormones.

That is why the very concept of “adrenal adenoma in women” can include a variety of symptoms. After all, an “adenoma” is a tumor of the gland, and as we already know, the adrenal gland synthesizes more than 50 different hormones.

The patient may also develop a pheochromocytoma, or tumor of the adrenal medulla, which produces adrenaline and norepinephrine in large quantities.

About Cushing's syndrome and disease

This is a condition in which excess amounts of corticosteroid hormones are produced. In the event that the pituitary gland produces an excess of ACTH - adrenocorticotropic hormone (the hormone is the “boss” for the adrenal glands), then this condition is called Itsenko-Cushing’s disease, and refers to the pathology of the pituitary gland. In addition, ACTH can be produced by tumors of the lungs and mediastinum.

Sometimes this state of hypercortisolism develops without any connection with ACTH. In this case, we are talking about a tumor of the adrenal cortex in a woman, and then it is called Cushing's syndrome. This can be either corticosteroma or carcinoma (malignant tumor). Symptoms of adrenal gland damage are:

• Obesity with fat deposits on the face, neck, chest, back and scruff of the neck. The face is moon-shaped, the arms and legs are thin, with muscle wasting;
• The complexion is purple, puffy, sometimes with a bluish tint;
• The skin is thin, dry, “marbled”, blood vessels are clearly visible on it;
• Violet and purple long striae appear on the abdomen, thighs, mammary glands, and shoulders;
• Areas of hyperpigmentation are prominent;
• Sebum secretion is impaired, acne and hemorrhages under the skin are visible;
• Osteoporosis is very pronounced, with pathological fractures of the vertebrae and femoral neck;
• Myocardial dystrophy and heart rhythm disturbances occur;
• Diabetes is often associated - after all, excess hormones increase blood sugar levels (in 10 - 15% of all cases);

There are other symptoms - often, along with glucocorticosteroids, excess androgens increase. Male pattern hair growth (hirsutism) occurs, menstruation decreases and amenorrhea occurs. Such a tumor, which predominantly secretes testosterone precursors, is called androsteroma.

Hyperaldosteronism

This is the name for a complex of symptoms caused by increased production of aldosterone and other mineralocorticoids. As usual, the disease has a primary form (most often, a tumor of the adrenal gland in the cortical zone responsible for the production of aldosterone). This disease is called Conn's syndrome.

There is also secondary hyperaldosteronism, in which there is no tumor, and aldosterone increases on command from the “center” - this is associated with disturbances in water and electrolyte metabolism, with narrowing of the renal arteries, nephrotic syndrome, or congestive heart failure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is involved, but we will not dwell on this. How does this pathology manifest itself? Here are the main symptoms:

• Increased blood pressure and ineffectiveness of drugs to reduce it;
• Muscle weakness, cramps, as signs of decreased potassium levels (you just need to take a blood test for electrolytes);
• In severe cases, polyuria develops (urine output per day is more than 1.5 - 2 liters) and nocturia (the predominance of nighttime urine output over daytime).

Pheochromocytoma

So far we have written about the increased production of cortical hormones. Pheochromocytoma is a brain tumor that secretes adrenaline and norepinephrine. In the clinic, it manifests itself as malignant arterial hypertension, which occurs with crises.

Every woman knows what it feels like when these hormones are produced. If there is suddenly an explosion or a shot, or an iron basin suddenly falls in the house, then fear arises, then you break into a sweat, your blood pressure rises, and you have to “move away” from the experience. Imagine this state multiplied and accelerated many times over.

In many cases, if a woman does not rush to see a doctor, a tumor of the adrenal glands will lead to heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary edema, and encephalopathy. The main symptoms of pheochromocytoma are as follows:

• Periodic “off scale” pressure: the blood pressure level rises above 250 mm. Hg Art. (top);
• Between attacks (which correspond to the release of hormones by the tumor), the pressure is often reduced, and fainting occurs when standing up;
• There are complaints of irregularities in the heart area, fever, shortness of breath, constipation;
• Sometimes attacks occur as panic attacks, with severe agitation and fear. Headache, blurred vision occurs;
• If the tumor is malignant, then it can give rapid metastases to other organs and be manifested by the corresponding clinic (jaundice, anemia, exhaustion, bone pain, etc.).

Decreased production of hormones by the adrenal glands

Hypocortisolism is a condition in which the production of corticosteroids is reduced. It can be either primary or secondary. Autoimmune diseases are often to blame, and the pathology is called Addison's disease. With this disease of the adrenal glands, due to a deficiency of both aldosterone and cortisol, dehydration, loss of electrolytes and changes in their ratio come to the fore. Decreased adrenal function is characterized by:

• The appearance of dark pigment on the skin (nipples, genital area), exposed parts of the body. It is important that darkening (“bronzing”) occurs where the sun does not hit - in skin folds, and even on mucous membranes;
• Against the background of “bronzing” there may be pale spots of depigmentation – vitiligo;
• There is a pronounced decrease in body weight - from 3 to 15 kg;
• Asthenia occurs, severe weakness occurs, and depression develops;
• Sexual desire decreases;
• An important symptom is a decrease in blood pressure, which can manifest as fainting when standing up and under stress;
• Appetite decreases, epigastric pain appears, unstable stool occurs;
• Loss of sodium leads to an excessive craving for salty foods.

The danger of Addison's disease is that acute adrenal insufficiency can develop, which can mimic a heart attack, acute abdomen, stroke or meningitis.

What are eucorticism and incidentalomas?

Eucorticism is a tumor of the adrenal gland that originates from indifferent, non-hormonal tissue and is completely unable to produce hormones. Therefore, their growth is often unnoticeable - they keep the woman’s hormonal background (created by the adrenal glands) normal.

Therefore, tumors must be looked for in other ways, and they are often discovered by chance - with CT or MRI. Due to the frequent accidental discovery of a dangerous tumor, they are called “incidentalomas” - they can cause stress and depression, or more precisely, the fact of discovery. After all, everyone is afraid of cancer.

But, in 98% of all cases, these are benign formations, and are found in 5% of healthy people, and according to autopsy data, even in 10% of the population.

Adrenal medulla disorder

Another function of the adrenal glands in the human body is related to the medulla. If this layer is disrupted, a disease such as pheochromocytoma develops. It is characterized by increased production and secretion of adrenaline into the blood. The consequences of this are an increase in blood pressure to critical values. The disease is often confused with hypertension and kidney disease. Its difference is that the increase in blood pressure occurs suddenly and reaches high numbers. In addition, the patient’s condition returns to normal just as unexpectedly. Hypertension with pheochromocytoma requires special treatment. The consequences of this condition are dangerous due to the development of a heart attack and acute cerebrovascular accident.

Acute adrenal insufficiency

As for acute insufficiency that develops during the work of the adrenal glands, such a failure has a number of characteristic signs and causes that provoke such a condition. The symptoms of such a pathological deviation are very pronounced and require immediate hospitalization, so if they occur, the woman should immediately call an ambulance. These symptoms include:

• sudden loss of consciousness;
• development of a coma;
• drop in blood pressure;
• diarrhea accompanied by pain in the abdominal area;
• reduction in the number of urinations and the volume of urine produced.

If acute renal failure occurs if you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, this can lead to very unpredictable consequences, and in some situations even death.

Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal diseases

Adrenal disease can be suspected based on clinical manifestations. The final diagnosis will become clear only after donating blood for hormone levels and instrumental examination methods (ultrasound, MRI, scintigraphy). The most common cause of disease is adrenal tumors. Pathologies associated with hypersecretion of hormones require surgical treatment. After surgery, adrenal function can be fully restored. Hormone deficiency requires lifelong replacement therapy.

Hormonal blood test

The doctor prescribes a blood test for adrenal hormones if there is a suspicion of any disease related to the endocrine system. In addition, for women, the indication for such an examination will be infertility or frequent miscarriages.

Deviation of indicators from the norm requires the prescription of drug treatment. If the results are questionable, the test for adrenal hormones is repeated.

In order for the indicators to be correct, a little preparation of the body is required:

• material for research is submitted in the morning on an empty stomach;
• you must maintain a 6-hour interval between eating and donating blood;
• Avoid smoking 4 hours before the test;
• avoid stress and intense physical activity before the examination;
• do not take hormonal birth control pills for two weeks;
• in the presence of kidney dysfunction, an additional daily urine sample is given;
• Women need to have a menstrual cycle calendar.

To determine the normal level of the main adrenal hormones secreted in the blood, there is the following table (indicators for aldesterone in pg/ml, for the rest nmol/l):

Tumor diseases

There are also a number of pathologies that are associated with the formation of tumors in the adrenal glands. They are malignant and benign in nature. Such diseases appear due to the inflammatory process with subsequent growth in the cells of the adrenal glands. Tumor formation can affect both the cortex and the medulla.

Computed tomography of the adrenal glands with tumor detection

These diseases include the following:

• glucocorticosteroma;
• aldosterone;
• corticoestroma;
• Andosteroma.

The main signs of adrenal tumors:

• high blood pressure;
• fear, irritation, excessive excitement;
• painful sensations in the abdomen and chest, which are sometimes accompanied by vomiting or nausea;
• convulsions, muscle tremors, fever appear;
• both females and males can change their appearance;
• the skin becomes blue;
• sexual development slows down;
• Blood glucose levels increase.

How are they treated?

The main goal of treatment is to correct the woman’s hormonal levels.

Adrenogenital syndrome is treated by prescribing glucocorticosteroids (dexamethasone), which normalize the functioning of the adrenal glands.

If tumors are present, the woman is referred to chemotherapy, the purpose of which is to stop the production of hormones (the growth of the tumor depends on them).

In case of symptomatic manifestations, an important role is played by normalizing blood pressure with special antihypertensive agents, as well as regulating blood sugar levels.

Among the folk methods of treating the adrenal glands, geranium, which contains radium, has proven itself well (it regulates the hormonal activity of this organ).

Lungwort, rich in copper, manganese, iron, as well as rutin and carotene, normalizes the functioning of the adrenal glands and increases the immunity of the female body.

Dimensions and location

The adrenal glands are located in the lumbar region. The endocrine glands cover the upper segment of the kidney and are small growths. The adrenal glands are small. Their length, according to various sources, ranges from 30 to 70 mm. The width of each adrenal gland does not exceed 40 mm, usually this figure varies from 20 to 35 mm. The thickness of the glands depends on the age and health of the person. In adults, this parameter does not exceed 10 mm. The total weight of the human adrenal glands is about 10-15 grams.

In children, the glands are smaller. Immediately after birth, they are divided into 2 zones: permanent and embryonic. The latter begins to decrease immediately after the child is born. Until puberty, the body does not know what the adrenal glands are, since they practically do not work. As they grow older, they become more active, and after puberty they begin to function fully.

Interesting fact. Despite the fact that the role of the adrenal glands in the human body is the same, these glands have different shapes. The hormone-producing tissue on the left visually resembles a crescent, and the right one looks like a triangle.

Gland bark

Cartisol, androgens, aldosterone are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. Cells of the cortical layer also participate in the process. In the absence of disorders of the adrenal cortex and external influences on it, the number of hormones produced is 35-40 mg. The cortex has 3 layers. This division can be seen at a level invisible to the naked eye. Each layer has different functions and produces different substances that affect the physiological processes of the body.

The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal glands is the place where hormones responsible for blood pressure are synthesized. Return to contents

Zona glomerulosa

It consists of rectangular cells, which are united into small groups - glomeruli. They have formed a network of capillaries that penetrate the liquid cell layer. To regulate blood pressure, aldosterone, corticosterone, and deoxycorticosterone are needed. It is the zona glomerulosa that is the main site of their formation.

Beam zone

The widest zone of the glandular cortex is located between the glomerular and reticular layers. It is formed by long, light multifaceted cells located across the surface of the glands. Elements of the zona fasciculata are responsible for the secretion of corticosterone and cortisol. They are needed to regulate the processes of metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the human body.

Mesh zone

Small, rectangular cells form small connections. This is the third inner layer, which is responsible for the synthesis of androgens. The main hormones that are produced in the reticular zone are:

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Role in the body of a man and a woman

The role of the body is to solve the following tasks:

• recovery from stressful conditions;
• formation of adaptation reactions;
• hormone production;
• stress resistance control;
• participation in metabolic processes.

The specificity of the glands lies in their ability to increase in size to increase the production of hormones when necessary.

The differences in how the male and female bodies work lie in the production of sex hormones. For the female body, these are estrogens and progesterone, for the male body, testosterone.

In the female body, the adrenal glands have a higher load. This happens in the following cases:

1. Pregnancy. During this period, the female body requires more hormones, so in the first trimester you may feel unwell. In the 2-3 trimesters, the body of the unborn child begins to produce its hormones, so the condition of women stabilizes.
2. Menopause. At this time, the adrenal glands experience enormous stress. The ovaries stop producing estrogen, so these glands must produce all the volume required by the body.

Pheochromocytoma

It is a tumor of the adrenal medulla. Characterized by excessive production of adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Pheochromatocytoma located in the adrenal cortex

There are three forms of this disease:

• paroxysmal (characterized by adrenal crises);
• constant (presence of blood pressure, but without crises);
• mixed (crises occur along with constant pressure).

An adrenal crisis is caused by a sharp release of a large amount of the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine, as well as to some extent dopamine.

Such crises have the following symptoms:

How to check the functioning of the adrenal glands in women

• sudden feeling of heat, dizziness, numbness of the limbs;
• the skin is pale or very red, the pupils are sharply dilated;
• headache, heart pain, pain in the lumbar region and abdominal area;
• anxiety, fear, excitability, sweating, palpitations;
• visual impairment;
• frequent urination;
• convulsions;
• a sharp increase in blood pressure up to 250 to 180.

The crisis ends as abruptly as it began. The end of it is characterized by sweating, weakness and urination of up to 3 liters.

Deficiency and excess of adrenal hormones

Aldosterone

Cortisol

Estrogens

Testosterone

Progesterone

Adrenalin

Norepinephrine

Somatostatin

Gland dysfunction

Disturbances in the functioning of the adrenal glands affect the functioning of the entire human body. The following signs may indicate gland dysfunction:

• chronic condition of fatigue;
• muscle weakness;
• increased irritability;
• sleep disorders;
• anorexia or obesity;
• nausea, vomiting;
• increased blood pressure;
• the appearance of pigment spots;
• hair loss.

If you suspect problems with the adrenal glands, you should consult an endocrinologist. With normal functioning of the glands, the body can resist the effects of adverse factors. The organ regulates metabolic processes, so its dysfunction is often accompanied by obesity.

It controls not only fat, but also muscle mass, stimulating an increase in its volume. One of the most important functions is the ability to adapt to stress and recover from it. The immune system is also under the control of the adrenal glands.

Their correct operation ensures the correct formation of secondary sexual characteristics in women and men. This applies not only to external signs, but also to character traits. If the functioning of an organ is disrupted, a person is unable to control his emotions.

It is important to pay attention to the prevention of diseases that can affect the condition of the adrenal glands and the development of various pathologies. First of all, these are autoimmune diseases: HIV, lupus. Growths, cysts, and tumors of both malignant and benign nature may also develop.

Anatomy of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are located inside the subcutaneous fatty tissue and the renal membrane. The body, lateral and medial legs are the structure of the gland. The right-located gland looks like a triangular pyramid, the left one looks like a lunar crescent. The front and back surfaces are covered with folds. The deepest one is located closer to the middle of the surface and is called the gate. In the left gland the gate is located near the base, and in the right - near the apex.

Characteristic dimensions

The color of the outer surface is yellow or brown. From the moment of birth and throughout the period of growing up, the mass and size of the adrenal glands change. The mass of the adrenal glands in a newborn is about 6 g, in an adult from 7 to 10 g. The length reaches approximately 6 cm, width 3 cm, thickness 1 cm. The left gland is slightly larger than the right.

Structure of the gland

The structure of the glands is similar to that of a fruit. Each gland consists of 3 layers, a brief description is described in the table:

The adrenal cortex and the medulla are independent glands that participate in the production of hormones.

Therapy for adrenal diseases

The task that doctors face when a pathology of the adrenal glands is detected is to restore normal hormone levels. In addition, it is necessary to neutralize all factors that aggravate the course of the disease. Patients are recommended:

1. Taking hormonal medications, but strictly under the supervision of a doctor and according to the prescribed regimen and dosage. Such therapy is prescribed only after a complete examination.
2. Antiviral and antibacterial drugs are often prescribed.
3. Taking vitamins and minerals is beneficial.
4. It is very important to pay attention to your diet.
5. Lead a healthy lifestyle, spend more time in the fresh air and move.
6. Try to avoid stressful situations.

If all the recommended measures and methods of therapy have not brought the desired result, and adrenal diseases in women show their symptoms, then you will have to resort to the help of a surgeon.

Diagnostics

To diagnose adrenal damage, a wide range of examination methods is used. First of all, the doctor prescribes routine tests. These include a general blood test, a general urinalysis and a biochemical blood test. These tests can determine the presence of inflammation in the organ. He also conducts an external examination, identifying possible signs of the disease (increased hair growth, stretch marks on the body).

A very important examination method is a hormone test; this method shows the absence, deficiency or excess production of hormones of the cortical and medulla layers of the adrenal glands (cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine, aldosterone, adrenal androgens).

A lack of hormone production indicates a decrease in adrenal function. Also for diagnosis, X-ray examination of the skull bones is used to determine the size of the pituitary gland. Important methods are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

In order to determine osteoporosis, which develops against the background of impaired production of adrenal hormones, X-ray examination of skeletal bones is used.

Selective catheterization of the adrenal veins helps determine the location of the tumor and its size.

Diseases

Disruption of the glands affects well-being (for example, in diabetes mellitus) and leads to serious changes in the functionality of the body. All pathologies are caused by insufficient or excessive secretion of hormones, as well as a mixed form. The main pathologies include:

Diseases of the adrenal glands are especially dangerous because... lead to complications in the functioning of the entire body.

• Increased hormonal levels:

• Itsenko Cushing's syndrome. Pathology of the adrenal glands develops due to an increase in the hormone adrenocorticotropin. A person develops the following symptoms:

• wounds are difficult to heal;
• due to the fragility of blood vessels, hematomas are constantly formed;
• general weakness;
• skin pustules;
• headache;
• Women typically experience hair growth on the face, chest and thighs.

The danger is that with such diseases there is no clinical picture, and the examination is carried out in the last stages.

To restore the functions of the adrenal glands, you need to see a doctor and have them examined, remove hormonal medications or birth control pills (if taken), and provide adequate nutrition. Only a doctor can select the appropriate medicine; self-medication is prohibited. It is important for a person to be attentive to his well-being and control over any changes. Even fatigue cannot be ignored.

Adrenal glands

(lat. glandulae suprarenales) - paired endocrine glands located above the upper part of the kidneys of vertebrates and humans.

In humans, they are located in close proximity to the upper pole of each kidney. They play an important role in the regulation of metabolism and in the body’s adaptation to unfavorable conditions (reaction to stressful conditions).

The adrenal glands consist of two structures - the cortex

and
medulla
, which are regulated by the nervous system.

The medulla serves as the main source of catecholamine hormones in the body - adrenaline and norepinephrine. Some of the cells of the cortex belong to the “hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex” system and serve as a source of corticosteroids.

Symptoms of Itsenko-Cushing syndrome

In this case, unpleasant signs of the disease in the fairer sex are caused by adrenal hyperactivity. The body produces an excessive amount of a hormonal substance - corticotropin. Pathology contributes to the occurrence of the following symptoms in women:

1. lack of sexual desire;
2. insomnia;
3. disturbance of the menstrual cycle (dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea);
4. severe pain in the head, muscles and bones;
5. severe fatigue, weakness;
6. body hair begins to grow according to the male pattern, alopecia appears (the scalp becomes bald);
7. stretch marks appear on the body (mainly in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs);
8. the skin often dries out;
9. The patient's weight increases significantly.

With this disease, women also experience strong changes in appearance. The oval of the face takes on a moon-shaped appearance. Fat deposits accumulate in the gluteal area, chest and abdomen. In such a case, the arms and legs remain skinny, which gives the patient’s body a disproportionate shape. The skin takes on a marbled tint, and small bruises and pimples are visible on the epidermis. The beard and mustache are covered with hair that is difficult to miss.

In the future, the patient may experience complications such as urolithiasis, gingivitis, decreased visual acuity, gastritis, bronchitis or pneumonia, and nephritis. Often Itsenko-Cushing syndrome causes uterine hypoplasia (reduction of the organ in size) and vaginitis.

Important! The most severe and dangerous consequence of this pathology is considered to be cardiac dysfunction, as well as progressive osteoporosis of the spinal column. These complications can cause disability and even death of a woman.

Addison's disease

This pathology is quite rare compared to other diseases of the adrenal glands. The disease and its symptoms develop for a number of reasons:

• hereditary factors;
• damage to the adrenal cortex by toxic substances;
• infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.

Symptoms of the disease

This disease is characterized by a number of characteristic symptoms:

• increased fatigue, decreased performance;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• lowering blood pressure;
• female sex hormones decrease;
• lack of sexual desire.

Treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist, and hormonal levels are corrected.

Main functions

The function of the adrenal glands is the production of hormones and active biological substances that directly affect the growth, development and functioning of vital organs.

Some are the building material of various biological substances, others serve to regulate metabolic processes in the body, and others contribute to the production of sex hormones.

The main effect of the adrenal glands on the body is the activation of protective mechanisms in various stressful situations (synthesis of norepinephrine and adrenaline). Dysfunction of the glands can lead to the development of diseases.

Hyperaldosteronism

This disease is characterized by excessive secretion of aldosterone. This disease develops in women for a number of reasons:

• severe liver disease;
• chronic inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract;
• heart failure.

Symptoms

This disease is characterized by a number of symptoms:

• menstrual irregularities;
• regular headaches;
• tachycardia;
• night cramps of the calf muscles;
• sleep disorders.

Treatment of this disease in women can be carried out both in a hospital setting and on an outpatient basis.

How do adrenal tumors manifest themselves?

Most often, tumors of this organ are benign. The exact causes have not yet been established, but for a hormonally active tumor, which is also called pheochromocytoma, the following provoking factors are called:

• Thyroid oncology.
• Systemic pathologies with congenital anomalies of cerebral vessels, skin, and eye membranes.
• Excessive synthesis of hormones by the parathyroid glands.

With this pathology, the following symptoms of adrenal gland disease in women can be observed (the photo shows one of them):

1. High blood pressure.
2. The heart rhythm is disturbed.
3. Muscle weakness appears.
4. Frequent urge to go to the toilet at night.
5. Nausea and vomiting become frequent companions of a person.
6. Increased sweating.
7. Cramps.
8. The patient's appearance deteriorates.
9. Constant shaking and chills.
10. Dry mouth.

Depending on the symptoms of adrenal disease in women, therapy is prescribed.

Functional disorders

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture, a change in the functionality of almost all organs and systems of the human body. With the dysfunction of these seemingly small glands, metabolic processes are disrupted and adaptive abilities are suppressed.

It is necessary to know about adrenal dysfunction, that this is a condition that poses a threat to human life. In most cases, the pathology is hereditary and is detected already in the first hours after birth. Medicine distinguishes two forms of dysfunction: classical, in which there is a decrease in aldosterone and an increase in androgen, and non-classical, accompanied by high levels of androgens. Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction include:

1. distortion of the external shape of the genital organs (in females it is visible immediately after birth);
2. rough timbre of voice, growth of muscles and hair (observed in boys under the age of 3 years);
3. excessive hair growth throughout the body;
4. growth retardation or complete cessation, which becomes noticeable before the age of 10 years;
5. high blood pressure, unusual for a child’s body;
6. reduced immunity, frequent colds that develop into more severe inflammatory processes;
7. excessive thinness.

If glandular tissue dysfunction occurs in a person after puberty, it is accompanied by a change in hormonal balance. In women, the menstrual cycle is disrupted and persistent infertility occurs. In men, libido decreases and impotence develops.

There is no specific treatment for this condition. The main goal of therapy is to preserve and maintain the functioning of organs and systems of the human body. If the medication regimen is incorrectly selected, a patient with adrenal dysfunction develops Cushing's disease.

Common diseases

Among all the deviations in the function of the glandular tissue of the adrenal glands, common pathologies can be identified. According to statistics, they can occur in people of all ages and any social status.

• Addison's disease is a pathology of endocrine origin. In this condition, the human adrenal glands lose the ability to produce cortisol.
• Itsenko-Cushing syndrome or hypercortisolism is a condition in which a large amount of hormones are produced in the human body over a long period of time. In this case, the reason for the development is not significant.
• Congenital hyperplasia is a deviation in which the synthesis of cortisol occurs.
• Conn's syndrome is a pathological process in which excess amounts of aldosterone are produced, affecting the functioning of the body's systems.
• Pheochromocytoma is a disease of tumor origin. This pathology is accompanied by excessive synthesis of catecholamines.

A significant number of pathological processes occurring in the tissues of the adrenal glands are accompanied by changes in the production of hormones and, as a consequence, a disturbance in the psycho-emotional state of a person. The opposite statement is also true that an unstable psyche and constant exposure of the nervous system to extreme conditions causes a change in the functioning of glandular tissue. There is no specific prevention of diseases of the internal gland. However, to reduce the risk of disorders, you should limit stressful experiences, have daily physical activity, adhere to proper nutrition and promptly consult a doctor if complaints arise.

Adrenogenital syndrome

Adrenogenital syndrome is a group of inherited disorders of corticosteroid production. This syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Its essence is that the formation of some corticosteroid hormones decreases while others increase.

Woman suffering from adrenogenital syndrome

There are postpubertal and pubertal forms of this disease, as well as the classical form. With this disease, a large amount of androgens are synthesized in the adrenal glands, but the hormone gonadotropin is released in a small dose. As a result, the growth and maturation of follicular structures in the ovaries is disrupted.

So, the main symptoms of adrenogenital syndrome in the congenital form are an increase in the genital tubercle and the formation of a penis-like clitoris. At birth, the sex of the child is difficult to determine. This phenomenon is called false hermaphroditism. It is formed due to intrauterine excessive production of androgens (in particular testosterone).

In the pubertal form, all symptoms occur upon the onset of puberty. Menstruation is irregular, there are large gaps between periods, they are scanty. The menstrual cycle begins much later (16-17 years). Excess hair growth according to the male type is clearly expressed. Such girls have a wide shoulder girdle, narrow pelvic bones, and underdeveloped mammary glands.

The postpubertal form is most often determined when trying to get pregnant. Characterized by miscarriages and undeveloped pregnancies. The hair growth is normal, the body type in this case is female.

Diagnosis of the condition of diseased adrenal glands

In order to detect pathology of the adrenal glands, the following measures are taken:

• Routine tests (general blood and urine tests; as well as blood biochemistry).
• External examination (for stretch marks, excess hair growth).
• Test for hormones.
• X-ray of the bones of the skull and skeleton.
• Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
• Catheterization of the adrenal veins in a selective form.

Treatment

In case of kidney disease, treatment begins with stabilizing and putting the hormonal levels in order (if possible). Drug treatment is prescribed only by a specialist (the doctor who treats the adrenal glands is called an endocrinologist); do not self-medicate; if you notice symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor.

If medication treatment fails, surgery is performed to excise one or both adrenal glands and hormone replacement therapy is prescribed.

The adrenal glands are a very important organ in the body, especially in women, which is why it is so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and closely monitor your health.

Norm or pathology

Adrenal hormones are represented by various secretions, each of which in the human body can be either in excess or insufficient.

For example, normal aldosterone levels may vary depending on a person's age:

• from 3 to 16 years the norm is 12-340 pg/ml;
• in older age, in a sitting position, a value from 30 to 270 pg/ml is considered normal;
• in a horizontal position - from 15 to 143 pg/ml.

In addition to age, the production of hormones by the adrenal glands is also associated with sexual characteristics. If, during the research, tests revealed that the normal values ​​were exceeded, this should not be ignored.

This situation may be a signal that the glands are affected by a hormone-producing neoplasm. But also exceeding the norm is often observed with liver dysfunction and kidney problems.

Reasons why the amount of hormones in the glands exceeds acceptable limits:

1. A decrease in aldosterone can occur with congenital and acquired pathologies of the adrenal cortex, as well as as a result of intoxication of the body with alcohol, infectious diseases, diabetes, and after surgery.
2. A deviation of dehydroepiandrosterone from the norm may be a sign that the glands are not functioning properly (in such a situation, additional examinations are necessary).
3. Despite constant fluctuations in the amount of cortisol throughout the day, if the norm is exceeded, pathological growth of the adrenal cortex can be suspected. Also, high levels of cortisol in the blood are observed in pregnant women or during times of severe stress, obesity, and diseases of the ovaries, pituitary gland, kidneys and adrenal glands. When the amount of cortisol decreases, the pathological structure of the glands can be diagnosed. A low content of the active component can also signal malnutrition or brain diseases.

In any case, you should not take deviations from normal values ​​as a death sentence.

Analysis data only allows you to get a general picture of the patient’s health, diagnose pathological processes and their location.

How to check the structure of the adrenal cortex

In the adrenal glands, the most common type of pathology is a tumor. In most cases, they are hormonally active, so visualization of the glands is prescribed to patients who have hormonal imbalances. But there are also “silent” formations - incidentalomas. Benign ones do not produce symptoms, but with malignant ones, cancerous intoxication appears and the size of the abdomen increases.

To study the structures of the adrenal glands, the following is used:

• Ultrasound,
• CT scan,
• selective angiography,
• tissue biopsy.

Watch the video about how an adrenal biopsy is performed: