CONDITIONS · ADRENAL & ENDOCRINE HEALTH
Adrenal Disorders
The adrenal glands produce hormones essential to life — governing the body's response to stress, blood pressure, salt balance and metabolism. When they produce too much or too little, the effects can be significant, and expert assessment is essential. Personalised care from consultant endocrinologist Dr Sheharyar Qureshi.
At a glance
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Two small glands, one above each kidney
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Produce cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline among others
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Some adrenal disorders are an overlooked cause of high blood pressure
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Most are very effectively managed once correctly diagnosed
01 — UNDERSTANDING THE GLANDS
What do the adrenal glands do?
The adrenal glands are two small, triangular glands — one sitting on top of each kidney. Though small, they produce a group of hormones that are essential to life. These include cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress and regulates metabolism; aldosterone, which controls blood pressure through salt and water balance; and adrenaline, part of the body's rapid "fight or flight" response. They also produce a proportion of the body's sex hormones.
Adrenal disorders generally arise when the glands produce too much or too little of one of these hormones — or when a growth develops on the gland. Some adrenal conditions are rare, and their symptoms can overlap with far more common problems, which means they are sometimes missed. Certain forms of high blood pressure, for instance, have an adrenal cause that standard treatment won't fully address.
Because these hormones are so fundamental, getting the diagnosis right matters a great deal. Specialist endocrine assessment identifies exactly which hormone is involved and why — allowing treatment to be precise and, where needed, life-changing.
02 — SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
How adrenal disorders present
Because the adrenal glands can either overproduce or underproduce hormones, symptoms fall into two broad patterns. Many are non-specific, which is exactly why specialist assessment matters.
Too much hormone
When the glands produce an excess, the effects can build gradually or come in episodes.
Overproduction
As in Cushing's, Conn's or phaeochromocytoma
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High blood pressure, sometimes hard to control
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Weight gain, particularly around the trunk and face
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Muscle weakness, thinning skin and easy bruising
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Episodes of palpitations, sweating and headache
Too little hormone
When the glands produce too little, symptoms often develop slowly and can be easily overlooked.
Underproduction
As in Addison's disease
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Persistent fatigue and muscle weakness
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Weight loss and reduced appetite
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Dizziness or low blood pressure on standing
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Darkening of the skin and salt cravings
03 — THE CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Adrenal conditions
The adrenal glands can be affected in several distinct ways. Each condition has its own pattern of symptoms and its own approach to treatment.
Cushing's syndrome
Excess cortisol
Prolonged exposure to high cortisol, causing weight gain, skin changes, high blood pressure and other effects. Can have several causes.
Addison's disease
Adrenal insufficiency
The glands produce too little cortisol (and often aldosterone), causing fatigue, weight loss and low blood pressure. Needs lifelong care.
Primary aldosteronism
Excess aldosterone (Conn's)
Overproduction of aldosterone — an important and treatable cause of high blood pressure that is often under-recognised.
Adrenal tumours & nodules
Growths on the gland
Often found incidentally on a scan. Most are benign and non-functioning, but assessment confirms whether they need treatment or monitoring.
Phaeochromocytoma
Excess adrenaline
A rare tumour producing excess adrenaline-type hormones, causing episodes of high blood pressure, palpitations and headaches.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Inherited enzyme condition
An inherited condition affecting adrenal hormone production, requiring specialist hormonal management, often from early life into adulthood.
04 — DIAGNOSIS
How adrenal disorders are diagnosed
Adrenal hormones naturally vary through the day and in response to stress, so accurate diagnosis relies on specialist testing — often measuring hormones at specific times or in response to a stimulus — combined with imaging where needed.
Detailed consultation
A careful review of your symptoms, blood pressure history, medications and family history, alongside a clinical examination.
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Blood & urine hormone tests
Measuring cortisol, aldosterone and related hormones — sometimes at particular times of day, or across a 24-hour urine collection, to capture natural variation.
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Dynamic (stimulation & suppression) tests
Specialist tests that measure how hormone levels respond to a stimulus or to suppression, helping pinpoint the underlying cause with precision.
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Imaging
A CT or MRI scan of the adrenal glands where a tumour or nodule is suspected, to assess its size, nature and significance.
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05 — TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT
Restoring hormonal balance
Treatment depends entirely on the specific condition — which hormone is involved, whether it is in excess or deficient, and whether a growth is present. Most adrenal conditions respond very well to the right, targeted approach.
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Hormone replacement
Where the glands are underactive, as in Addison's disease, carefully balanced replacement of the missing hormones restores health — taken long term with specialist guidance.
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Medication to reduce excess
Where a hormone is overproduced, targeted medication can lower levels and control symptoms — including specific treatments for aldosterone excess and other conditions.
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Surgery & coordinated care
Some adrenal tumours are best removed surgically, often resolving the problem entirely. Your endocrinologist coordinates this with specialist surgical teams and follow-up.
06 — LIVING WELL WITH ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY
Confident, supported long-term care
For those with conditions such as Addison's disease, a little knowledge brings a great deal of security. With the right guidance and a clear plan, people live full, active lives — and know exactly what to do when unwell.
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A personalised plan for adjusting treatment during illness
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Guidance on emergency preparedness and medical alerts
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Regular specialist review to keep treatment finely balanced
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A specialist who knows you and your history
07 — COMMON QUESTIONS
Adrenal Disorders, answered
SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST
Expert adrenal care, tailored to you
If you're experiencing symptoms that may relate to the adrenal glands, have blood pressure that is hard to control, or have had a scan that needs specialist interpretation, Dr Qureshi offers thorough assessment and coordinated, personalised care — discreetly and without delay.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified clinician. If you have concerns about your health, please seek personalised advice from your doctor or arrange an appointment with our clinic.