Adrenal Disorder

Adrenal disorders can cause hormone imbalances that lead to troubling symptoms like obesity, fatigue, muscle and bone weakness, and conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Vivek Bansal, MD, and the team at The EnLyv Clinics offer exceptional adrenal disorder treatment at their locations in Bridgewater Township, Flemington, and Edison, New Jersey. Treating patients aged 12 and older, the team can help diagnose a disorder early on and develop a customized treatment plan that may include surgery or hormone replacement. To book a consultation, call the practice today or use the online scheduling tool. 

What are adrenal disorders? 

Adrenal glands produce hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone. When there is overproduction or underproduction of these hormones, it can greatly affect your body’s natural functions and lead to an adrenal disorder. 

With Addison’s disease, you don’t produce enough cortisol and/or aldosterone. 

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal suppression cause your adrenal glands to produce an inadequate amount of cortisol. 

If you have Cushing’s syndrome, your body produces too much cortisol, and with hyperaldosteronism and aldosterone-producing adenoma, your aldosterone levels are too high.

Virilization is a condition in prepubescent children where the body produces too much of the male sex hormones.

Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma is a condition that causes various types of tumors that produce adrenaline and other hormones. 

What are adrenal disorder symptoms? 

Symptoms of adrenal gland disorders vary depending on your condition, but may include:

• Obesity, especially around your face and upper body
• Skin problems (acne or reddish-blue streaks on upper body)
• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes
• Muscle spasms
• Low potassium levels 
• Increased urination 
• Depression 
• Irregular menstruation 
• Early puberty
• Headaches
• Fatigue 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Brittle bones
• Weight loss
• Salt cravings 
• Slow growth rate (in children and adolescents)

Virilization may cause the development of masculine traits like hair on the face, a deeper voice, or increased muscle mass. 

What are adrenal disorder treatments?

Enlyv Clinic first orders comprehensive tests to determine the levels of hormones in your saliva, blood, and urine. If your provider suspects you have tumors, they may order imaging tests. 

Surgery 

Your provider may recommend surgery to remove any tumors in the adrenal gland. If necessary, you may benefit from removing one or both of your adrenal glands — an adrenalectomy. Dr. Bansal, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, supervises all surgeries.

Hormone replacement

Your provider may prescribe a corticosteroid, like a hydrocortisone tablet, to replace cortisol. Other options include prednisone or dexamethasone.

If your adrenal glands aren’t making adequate aldosterone, or you need help balancing the amount of sodium and fluids in your body, your provider may prescribe fludrocortisone. 

There are also medication options if your adrenal glands produce too many hormones. Your provider adjusts dosages to meet your body’s needs.

If you have an urgent adrenal crisis, your provider may administer an intravenous (IV) injection of corticosteroids, dextrose (a type of sugar), and saline (a salt solution).

If you have questions about adrenal disorders, call The EnLyv Clinics today or use the online booking tool.