Overactive Adrenal Glands

Adrenal glands are small glands located just on top of a person’s kidneys. These glands are just one of the many glands found in the endocrine system. Sometimes, these glands generate excessive amounts of hormones such as androgenic steroids, corticosteroids and aldosterone. They are then referred to as overactive adrenal glands, a condition also called Cushing's syndrome.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of overactive adrenal glands:
1. Weight gain
One of the primary signs of Cushing’s syndrome is weight gain. A common sign of this condition is your face becoming rounder or more moon-shaped. In some cases, there will also be obesity in the upper body, particularly the upper back and the midsection. You may also begin to gain fat around the neck area.

2. Fragility
While you may be generally gaining weight, you will also experience a general thinning in both your arms and legs. Your fragile skin means that you may bruise easily and be more prone to sores and infection. Healing of bites and wounds take longer than usual. Acne breakouts might occur more frequently.

Red or purple stretch marks tend to develop on your buttocks, stomach, breasts, arms and thighs. In response to overactive adrenal glands, you will also probably experience severe fatigue, feeling very weak and tired most of the time. You may also feel muscle and bone weakness.

3. Reproductive system irregularities
Secreting hormones is just one function of the adrenal glands. Cushing’s syndrome can affect the sexual life and reproductive systems of both men and women. There may be a lower sex drive between both genders. Men may feel a drop in libido, as well as a decrease in fertility.  Women, on the other hand, may experience either irregular menstruation periods or may even stop menstruating. Other women may grow excessive amounts of hair on both the legs and face.

4. Psychological signs
Some individuals with overactive adrenal glands display psychological signs and symptoms. Increased irritability, depression and anxiety are common emotions in people with this condition. These emotions may be displayed for no particular reason. This tends to be an effect of a hormonal imbalance that you are probably experiencing.

Treatment for overactive adrenal glands depends on several factors, including the person’s overall health and medical history.

At times, Cushing’s syndrome can be the result of various medical conditions, such as tumors that have grown on the adrenal or pituitary glands. Remember that the symptoms and signs of overactive adrenal glands vary per person, as well as by the extent to which the glands malfunction. Of course, these signs and symptoms may resemble other medical problems and conditions. It would be best to consult with a medical professional immediately.

 

From http://www.testcountry.org/4-signs-of-overactive-adrenal-glands.htm

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Successful treatment of Lt. Adrenocortical Tumor or Cushing's syndrome

Successful treatment of Lt. Adrenocortical Tumor or Cushing's syndrome (+ Enlarge)

Mohini Nayak the two year old female child was brought to Apollo Hospital with H/O gaining excessive weight and became obese since 1 yr. She was treated by different doctors in multiple hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. After investigation in S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, it was found that the baby is suffering from Lt. Adrenocortical Tumour. Cushing Syndrome in Pediatric age group, particularly less than 2 years old child is a very rare condition, the incidence being 0.3 – 0.4 in one million child below 15yrs of age. Cushing’s syndrome may occur either due to Pituitary tumor or Adreno cortical tumor, said Dr. B N Mishra, Sr. Pediatric Surgeon, Apollo Hosipitals, Bhubaneswar. The baby had adreno cortical; tumor on left side, informed Dr. Mishra. Adrenal glands are present in our body just above and adjacent (Superiorly) to kidneys on both sides.

She had a very large tumor of left adrenal gland of size 10x6x3 cm size and such type of large tumors is usually malignant and rarely seen. However the biopsy does not show features of malignancy, but needs to be observed for a long time. Dr. Mishra informed that, her obesity will take time to reduce, may be six months to one year. Mohini got admitted on 12th November 2010.

Mohini comes from a very low socio-economic status. The child is the youngest of the three siblings and her parents in spite of their poverty tried their limited resources to provide the best medical treatment. Hopeless slum dwellers finally had a smile. Victory of life over death prevailed. Ashok Naik a low paid sweeper and his wife Jyotsna a domestic help sacrificed what ever little earning they did to save their youngest girl child of 2 years old, Mohini.

The girl became about 20kg within 1 year 2months. Finally parents lost all hope. Some couple of weeks back the heart touching story of the girl and her parents, featured in a local daily. The story dragged few social activists of Lions Club Bhubaneswar met the parent and resolved to take an attempt. After initial checkup, Apollo decided for operation with financial assistance from corporate houses and government of odisha.

It was risky and expensive. A group of expert doctors led by Dr. B.N. Mishra successfully operated the massive tumor after a long operation of three hours. The baby is now free of danger.

From http://www.odisha360.com/news/720/successful-treatment-of-lt-adrenocortical-tumor-or-cushings-syndrome