Adrenal Insufficiency

When the adrenal glands underproduce cortisol or aldosterone (as in Addison's Disease), symptoms often develop slowly and can become life-threatening during a crisis. 

  • Physical Weakness: Chronic, severe fatigue and generalized muscle weakness.
  • Cardiovascular Issues: Low blood pressure (hypotension) that drops further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting.
  • Skin Changes: Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), particularly on scars, skin folds, joints, and gums.
  • Digestive Distress: Loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
  • Metabolic & Mood Shifts: Salt cravings (due to low aldosterone), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), irritability, and depression.
  • Adrenal Crisis (Emergency): Sudden, severe symptoms including acute abdominal or flank pain, confusion, high fever, rapid heart rate, and shock. 

Overactive Glands

Excess hormones lead to different conditions based on which hormone is overproduced. 

Excess Cortisol (Cushing’s Syndrome)

  • Weight Gain: Specifically in the trunk and upper body, with thin arms and legs.
  • Physical Features: A round "moon face," a fatty lump between the shoulders ("buffalo hump"), and pink or purple stretch marks.
  • Skin/Bone Fragility: Thin skin that bruises easily, slow-healing wounds, and weakened bones (osteoporosis).

Excess Aldosterone (Hyperaldosteronism)

  • High Blood Pressure: Persistent hypertension that is often difficult to control.
  • Low Potassium Effects: Muscle cramps, spasms, weakness, numbness, and occasional temporary paralysis.

Excess Adrenaline/Norepinephrine (Pheochromocytoma)

  • Spikes in Activity: Rapid heart rate (palpitations), sudden severe headaches, and excessive sweating.
  • Mood: High anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, and a "jittery" or restless feeling.

Excess Androgen (Hyperandrogenism)

In women, this can lead to excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.