Adrenal Disorders and Hormone Function

A medical condition characterized by insufficient cortisol production by the adrenal glands, resulting in various symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood sugar, and salt craving.

Characterized by the sudden worsening of Addison's disease symptoms, requiring immediate medical attention.

A medical test used to assess the function of the adrenal glands, specifically cortisol levels.

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, often due to exogenous steroids.

A condition with excessive cortisol production, causing various symptoms and signs. It can be caused by ectopic ACTH production, ACTH-independent adrenal dysfunction, or exogenous steroid intake.

Production of ACTH from tumors outside the pituitary gland, often in the lungs.

Increased activity of adrenal glands independent of ACTH. Can be due to adrenal tumors or adrenal hyperplasia.

Weight gain concentrated in the abdomen and face due to increased insulin levels and fat redistribution.

A sign of Cushing's characterized by excessive hair growth, especially on the face.

High cortisol due to overproduction of ACTH from a pituitary adenoma.

A hormone responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

Hormone responsible for stress response, increasing blood sugar and anti-inflammation.

Excess cortisol production, leading to hypercortisolism, Cushing's Syndrome, and Cushing's Disease.

Increased levels of angiotensin II and potassium trigger its release.

Hypercortisolism caused by a pituitary adenoma.

A component within the adrenal gland responsible for producing hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.

When the pituitary gland is not working properly, it leads to a lack of cortisol production. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate many body functions, including stress response, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol and aldosterone. In primary adrenal insufficiency, both hormones are low, resulting in various symptoms.

A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, leading to various symptoms.

The precursor protein from which ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is derived. It is also cleaved to produce MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone).

A hormone that helps regulate pigmentation of the skin.

Darkening of the skin, particularly noticeable in areas exposed to sunlight, often seen in Addison's disease.

Surgical removal of the adrenal glands. Requires careful medication management to prevent life-threatening complications like high blood pressure crises and irregular heartbeat.

A medication that blocks the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

A medication that blocks the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, slowing the heart rate.

Medication that inhibits calcium from entering cells, relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate.

Group of hormones produced by adrenal glands that regulate metabolism, inflammation, and many bodily functions.

Condition caused by long-term steroid use, mimicking the symptoms of Cushing's disease.

A state where the body's adrenal glands become suppressed due to prolonged steroid use.

A period of stress where individuals on long-term steroids need to increase their steroid dose to mimic the body's natural stress response.

A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure (hypertension) and low potassium (hypokalaemia).

A specific test used to diagnose primary hyperaldosteronism. A ratio greater than 70 indicates the presence of hyperaldosteronism.

A medication used to treat primary hyperaldosteronism by blocking the effects of aldosterone on the body.

A rare tumor that arises from the adrenal medulla and secretes catecholamines, resulting in increased heart rate, headaches, and sweating.

A genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing phaeochromocytoma, which is a tumor of the adrenal medulla.

Classic symptoms of phaeochromocytoma, including paroxysmal tachycardia, headache, and sweating.

A method used to investigate phaeochromocytoma by measuring the levels of catecholamines and their breakdown products in urine.

The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex produces aldosterone, a hormone that regulates electrolyte and fluid balance. Primarily, it increases sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to water retention and increased blood volume. It also promotes potassium excretion.

Hypercortisolism, also known as Cushing's syndrome, is a condition characterized by the excessive production of cortisol, a stress hormone. It leads to a wide spectrum of symptoms, including weight gain, muscle weakness, and high blood sugar.

Cushing's disease specifically refers to hypercortisolism caused by an overproduction of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) from a pituitary adenoma, a tumor in the pituitary gland.

The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing three main types of hormones: mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), glucocorticoids (like cortisol), and androgens. It plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions.

The adrenal medulla is responsible for producing catecholamines, particularly epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones play a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response to stress.

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAA) is responsible for controlling blood pressure. Angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor, stimulates aldosterone release from the adrenal cortex, leading to sodium and water retention, ultimately increasing blood volume and blood pressure.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for regulating the body's stress response. It increases blood sugar levels, suppresses inflammation, and maintains blood pressure.

Cushing's syndrome can be caused by various factors, including the following:

1. ACTH-dependent: Caused by excess production of ACTH. a. Pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease): most common. b. Ectopic ACTH production: from tumors outside the pituitary gland
2. ACTH-independent: Caused by problems within the adrenal glands. a. Adrenal adenomas: benign tumors of the adrenal glands b. Adrenal carcinomas: malignant tumors of the adrenal glands c. Adrenal hyperplasia: increased size of the adrenal gland due to excessive cell growth

A life-threatening medical emergency resulting from insufficient cortisol production, often precipitated by stress like infection, illness, or surgery. Symptoms include low blood sugar, vomiting, diarrhea, and shock.

A sudden drop in cortisol levels due to a sudden loss of adrenal gland function, often caused by a medical event like bilateral adrenal or pituitary infarction.

A gradual decrease in cortisol production over time, often caused by an autoimmune process, leading to slowly developing symptoms.

A condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough aldosterone, a hormone responsible for regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Symptoms include hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and low blood volume.

The gradual onset of adrenal insufficiency often goes undetected until an acute stressor triggers an adrenal crisis.

A condition where the body's adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol, leading to various symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, low blood sugar, and salt craving.

A symptom of adrenal insufficiency where the body craves salt due to low sodium levels caused by aldosterone deficiency.

The use of steroids (such as prednisolone) to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system in various medical conditions.

Excess aldosterone production from the adrenal glands. It's a major cause of secondary hypertension. Key symptoms include low potassium (hypokalemia), high blood pressure (hypertension), and metabolic alkalosis.

Treatment options for Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome). This involves managing hypertension with medication and potentially surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland(s).

A test to diagnose Primary Hyperaldosteronism that simulates low sodium levels by administering a saline infusion. This test helps determine how well the adrenal glands respond to different levels of sodium.

A test that assesses the adrenal glands' response to a specific dose of Fludrocortisone, a synthetic mineralocorticoid. This helps determine the cause of high aldosterone.