Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

The adrenal glands are a paired organ of the human endocrine system. The most common problems associated with their violation are hypofunction and hyperfunction. In the first case, paired endocrine glands lose the ability to synthesize a sufficient number of hormones, and in the second, on the contrary, too many of them are produced.

What are the adrenal glands?

This endocrine organ is a small pair of glands located directly above the upper parts of the kidneys. The right adrenal gland has the shape of a triangle, and the left one is a crescent.

Hormones produced by this paired organ, enter the circulatory system and are important for the life of the body. Each adrenal gland consists of two different parts: the inner cerebral and outer cortical layers. Certain circumstances can lead to disruption of the work of these glands both in the direction of decreasing activity and increase.

Classification of hyperfunction of the adrenal glands

The bark of these paired glands consists of the medulla, retina, glomerular and fascicular zones. Each cortical part of the adrenal gland produces hormones. The following disorders can lead to disruption of their functioning:

• An excess of mineralocorticoids that control the number of electrolytes in the blood;
• Adrenal hyperandrogenism;
• Excess catecholamines, which are formed from a malignant tumor or under stress;
• An excess of glucocorticoids, responsible for maintaining the norm of blood pressure, immunity and metabolism.

Adrenal glands: hyperfunction and hypofunction

The paired organ of the endocrine system is abundantly supplied with blood. Without his activity life is impossible. For example, an animal dies a few days after the adrenal glands are removed from it.

Hyperfunction and hypofunction is a serious disorder in the body. Reduction of adrenal activity is primary and secondary. The primary form is formed in destructive irreversible processes in the cortical substance of the glands, and the secondary forms as a result of the disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

The main symptom of adrenal insufficiency is skin pigmentation. It begins to darken, as a rule, on the following parts of the body: the neck, arms and face.

Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex - a violation of the body, accompanied in children by the early occurrence of sex hormones. All this can lead to premature puberty. There are cases when boys of 4-6 years have a sexual inclination, a beard grows, and the sexual organs have reached the sizes, as in adults.

Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands with increased production of glucocorticoids can appear in tumors, which provokes the development of the Itenko-Cushing syndrome. This is quite a serious disease.

Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands, like hypofunction, most often indicates the presence of a serious pathology in the body, so do not ignore the first signs of the disease, but it is better to contact a specialist.

How does the mild sex manifest hyperfunction of the adrenal glands?

Symptoms in women with excessive formation of hormones are as follows:

• acne;
• Pigmentation of the skin;
• Depressive state.

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with hyperandrogenism, in other words, increased production of male hormones, then she must constantly be observed at the gynecologist in order to avoid miscarriage. Most often, for the treatment of such a disease, administration of artificial analogues of cortisol, suppressing the production of androgens, is prescribed. Even for the normalization of the activity of this paired organ can write out the vitamins of group B and C, as well as microelements.

In addition, if the breasts of the paired glands in women can have problems with conception and bearing a child. Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands in women is often manifested by the growth of the clitoris, pain in the chest, a violation of the menstrual cycle and even a decrease in the size of the uterus.

A woman taking contraceptives will have to stop taking them to normalize the operation of the paired glands. In general, if a lady has hyperfunction of the adrenal glands, she will have to change her way of life, avoid stressful situations and, of course, have a full rest. It is necessary to eat properly with this violation. In addition, it is necessary to find out what other stresses can be experienced with such an ailment of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of the disease, diagnosis and timely treatment of hyperfunction of the paired glands allows you to quickly restore health.

Causes of pathology

There is hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex as a result of excessive activity of glandular cells. This feature appears in functional disorders or due to the development of inflammatory processes. In children, hyperfunction of the adrenal gland is rare.

The reasons for its formation may be different, but the most common are:

• Hyperplasia - a change in the size of the gland.
• Functional disorders of the body: diabetes, obesity, child bearing, stress.
• Tumors that affect the adrenal glands.

Symptoms of the disease

Diagnosis is carried out to detect inflammation and other pathologies of the adrenal glands, but some signs without it point to the existing disorders in the body. For example, with their hyperfunction, the patient can feel pain in the abdomen, suffer from constipation or diarrhea.

Addison's disease manifests itself by reducing the tone of smooth and skeletal muscles, muscle weakness, hyperpigmentation of the mucous membranes and skin. Melanosis at an early stage occurs at the level of grooves and skin folds, acquiring a diffuse character. This pathology develops because of a decrease in the production of adrenal cortisone and aldosterone and an increase in the secretion of the melanoma hormone of the pituitary gland.

But with Cushing's syndrome, obvious symptoms are a lunate, round face with a reddish tint, thinning of the skin and fat deposition on the neck. In most cases, because of an increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood there is diabetes, because the pancreas does not produce the necessary amount of insulin. With excessive secretion of male sex hormones, children and women experience strong hair growth and increased blood pressure.

The lack of glucocorticosteroids in the body provokes the appearance of hypoglycemia, weight loss, hypotension, cardiovascular and digestive disorders. And due to arterial hypotension, it is possible to reduce the size of the heart.

Diagnosis of hyperfunction of the adrenal glands

Before the diagnosis, the doctor first examines the patient and collects an anamnesis. Then he sends it for blood and urine to assess the hormonal status and the level of cortisol. In addition, the patient undergoes ultrasound and MRI.

How to normalize the work of paired endocrine glands?

Treatment of hyperfunction of the adrenal gland may be different. For example, if the cause of the disorder of their activity in the tumor, then, most likely, surgical removal will be prescribed. Usually, after such an operation, most of the symptoms go away without additional therapy.

Treatment of this disease by a medicamentous method is based on different combinations of glucocorticoids: "Cortisone acetate", "Hydrocortisone", "Dexamethasone". Moreover, female and male sex hormones such as estrogen and androgen can be prescribed. In addition, it is recommended to reduce salt intake.

Herbal preparations with excessive production of hormones

Do not get upset and lower your hands if you are diagnosed with "hyperfunction of the adrenal glands." Treatment with folk remedies will help improve the performance of these paired endocrine organs.

For therapeutic purposes, you can use a medicinal wizard, whose leaves and stems can be used fresh. It contains many useful minerals and vitamins. From this plant for the treatment of adrenal hyperfunction, a decoction is prepared that stimulates the production of hormones.

To prepare tinctures, you need to prepare 30 grams of dry grass. It is poured with boiling water and left to cool completely. The resulting mixture is then filtered well. Take the broth should be at least 4 times a day for 250 ml, preferably 30 minutes before eating. Duration of treatment is 2-3 months.

Even with hyperfunction of the adrenals, it is useful to use a decoction of black and white mulberry. To create this drink you will need mulberry leaves. They must first be washed thoroughly, then finely chopped. In 1 liter of water, add 4 tablespoons of chopped leaves and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Cooled mixture will only drain. It is recommended to drink it like regular tea. To improve the taste, a spoonful of honey is added to the drink.

To prevent the development of hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules in nutrition. It is worth noting the use of peas, chocolate, beans, cocoa, strong tea and walnuts. It is better to give preference to raw chicken yolks, onions, fresh herbs, home-made cottage cheese and baked apples.