The adrenal glands are the 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 amount of hormones, and in the second, on the contrary, they produce too much.
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 is in the shape of a triangle, and the left is a crescent.
Hormones produced by this paired organ enter the blood circulation 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 functioning of these glands both in the direction of decreasing activity, and increase.
Classification of adrenal hyperfunction
The cortex of these paired glands consists of the brain layer, retina, glomerular and bundle zones. Each adrenal cortex produces hormones. The following disorders can lead to a disruption in their functioning:
- excess mineralocorticoids controlling the number of electrolytes in the blood;
- adrenal hyperandrogenism;
- excess catecholamines, which are formed from a malignant tumor or under stress;
- excess glucocorticoids, responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure, immunity and metabolism.
Adrenal glands: hyperfunction and hypofunction
The paired organ of the endocrine system is plentifully supplied with blood. Without his activity, life is impossible. For example, an animal dies a few days after the adrenal glands are removed.
Hyperfunction and hypofunction is a serious disorder in the body. A decrease in adrenal gland activity is primary and secondary. The primary form is formed during destructive irreversible processes in the cortical substance of the glands, and the secondary one results from a violation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
The main symptom of adrenal insufficiency is skin pigmentation. It begins to darken, as a rule, in the following parts of the body: neck, arms and face.
Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex is a violation of the organ's activity, accompanied in children by the early onset of sex hormones. All this can lead to premature puberty. Cases have been described when boys aged 4-6 years had a sexual desire, a beard grew, and the genitals reached sizes, as in adults.
Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands with increased production of glucocorticoids can occur with tumors, which provokes the development of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome. This is a pretty serious disease.
Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands, as well as hypofunction, most often indicates the presence of a serious pathology in the body, so you should not ignore the first signs of the disease, but it is better to consult a specialist.
How does the weaker sex exhibit adrenal hyperfunction?
Symptoms in women with excessive formation of hormones are as follows:
- acne;
- pigmentation of the skin;
- depressed state.
If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with hyperandrogenism, in other words, increased production of male hormones, then she should be constantly observed by a gynecologist to avoid a miscarriage. Most often, for the treatment of such an ailment, the administration of artificial analogues of cortisol, which suppress the production of androgens, is prescribed. To normalize the activity of this paired organ, B and C vitamins, as well as trace elements, can be prescribed.
In addition, in case of violation of the activity of paired glands in women, problems may arise with conceiving and bearing a child. Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands in women is often manifested by proliferation of the clitoris, chest pain, menstrual irregularities and even a decrease in the size of the uterus.
A woman taking contraceptives will have to stop taking them to normalize the work of the paired glands. In general, if a lady has adrenal gland hyperfunction, she will have to change her lifestyle, avoid stressful situations and, of course, have a good rest. Be sure to eat properly in case of such a violation. In addition, it is necessary to find out what other loads the adrenal glands may experience with such an ailment. Symptoms of the disease, diagnosis and timely treatment of paired gland hyperfunction can quickly restore health.
Causes of pathology
Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex occurs as a result of excessive activity of glandular cells. This feature appears with functional disorders or due to the development of inflammatory processes. In children, adrenal hyperfunction is rare.
The reasons for its formation may be different, but the most common are:
- Hyperplasia is a change in the size of the paired gland.
- Functional disorders of the body: diabetes, obesity, child bearing, stress.
- Tumors affecting the adrenal glands.
Symptoms of the disease
Diagnosis is to detect inflammation and other pathologies of the adrenal gland, but some signs even indicate an existing disorder in the body. For example, with their hyperfunction, the patient may feel pain in the abdomen, suffer from constipation or diarrhea.
Addison's disease manifests itself in a decrease in 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, then acquiring a diffuse character. This pathology develops due to a decrease in the adrenal gland production of cortisone and aldosterone and an increase in the secretion of the melanoform hormone of the pituitary gland.
But with Cushing's syndrome, obvious symptoms are a moon-shaped, round face with a reddish tint, thinning of the skin and deposition of fat on the neck. In most cases, diabetes mellitus occurs due to an increase in blood glucose concentration, because the pancreas does not produce the required amount of insulin. With excessive secretion of male sex hormones in children and women, strong hair growth and increased blood pressure are noted.
Lack of glucocorticosteroids in the body provokes the appearance of hypoglycemia, weight loss, hypotension, impaired cardiovascular system and digestion. Moreover, due to arterial hypotension, a decrease in heart size is possible.
Diagnosis of adrenal hyperfunction
Before making a diagnosis, the doctor first examines the patient and collects an anamnesis. Then he sends him for blood and urine to assess the hormonal status and level of cortisol. In addition, the patient undergoes ultrasound and MRI.
How to normalize the work of paired endocrine glands?
Treatment for adrenal hyperfunction 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 on their own without additional therapy.
The treatment of this disease with a drug 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 supplementation with excessive hormone production
You should not be upset and give up if you have been diagnosed with adrenal hyperfunction . Treatment with folk remedies will help improve the functioning of these paired endocrine organs.
For therapeutic purposes, you can use medicinal Lungwort, the leaves and stems of which are allowed to be consumed fresh. It contains many useful minerals and vitamins. A decoction is prepared from this plant to treat adrenal hyperfunction, which stimulates the production of hormones.
To prepare the tincture, you need to prepare 30 grams of dry grass. It is poured with boiling water and left to cool completely. Then the resulting mixture is well filtered. Take the broth at least 4 times a day, 250 ml, preferably 30 minutes before meals. The duration of treatment is 2-3 months.
Even with adrenal hyperfunction, it is useful to use a decoction of black and white mulberry. To create this drink, you need mulberry leaves. First they must be washed well, then finely chopped. In 1 liter of water, add 4 tablespoons of chopped leaves and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. The cooled mixture will only strain. Drinking it is recommended, like regular tea. To improve the taste, add a spoonful of honey to the drink.
To prevent the development of hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, it is imperative to adhere to certain rules in nutrition. It is worth abandoning the use of peas, chocolate, beans, cocoa, strong tea and walnuts. It is better to give preference to raw chicken yolks, onions, fresh herbs, homemade cottage cheese and baked apples.