Endocrinologist named 5 symptoms of adrenal disorders in men

endocrinologist at the Federal Research Center of FMBA of Russia

“The adrenal glands are paired glands of internal secretion responsible for the production of adrenaline, noradrenaline, aldosterone, cortisol and other corticosteroids.”

Adrenal Functions

Adrenal hormones perform several important functions:

• regulate water-electrolyte balance, blood pressure levels;
• participate in the production of sex hormones;
• activate the nervous system and brain activity;
• together with the pancreatic hormone insulin ensure normal blood glucose levels;
• contribute to the rapid adaptation of the body to stressful situations.

In this case, under stressful situations are understood not only emotional overstrain, but also excessive physical exertion, surgical interventions, insufficient nutrient intake, trauma.

In addition, adrenal hormones reduce the severity of inflammatory and allergic reactions, so their synthetic analogs are often used in the treatment of asthma, systemic diseases, anaphylactic shock and other conditions.

Causes and symptoms of adrenal disorders

Changes in the work of the adrenal glands can be due to hypofunction of the paired organ. For example, for Addison’s disease, patients have a significant decrease in the production of cortisol and aldosterone. Pathology is most often diagnosed in 20-40 years, in 90% of cases the cause of the development of the disease is autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands.

Other causes include bacterial and viral infections, amyloidosis, hemochromatosis and other hereditary pathologies. Addison’s disease refers to primary forms of adrenal insufficiency.

The secondary form develops due to pituitary tumors, against the background of brain injuries, sarcoidosis, vascular diseases. Also, adrenal hypofunction can be observed in people who are on glucocorticosteroid therapy, with abrupt withdrawal of the drug.

Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction include

• irritability;
• asthenia;
• hypotension;
• digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, stool disorders);
• loss of libido.

Among other symptoms, some patients note the development of hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes (most often darken the lines on the palms and gums). The degree directly depends on the severity of adrenal insufficiency. A small number of people with adrenal hypofunction have an increased craving for salty food.

Another cause of adrenal failure is the uncontrolled use of anabolic steroids. These drugs are often used by athletes and bodybuilders in order to quickly build muscle mass.

However, the race for perfect shapes can lead to irreparable consequences for health:

• Erectile dysfunction and impotence;
• cardiovascular disease;
• pathological mental changes;
• liver disease.

One of the most dangerous side effects of taking large doses of synthetic glucocorticoids is the disruption of the production of natural adrenal hormones and gradual atrophy of the glands. With prolonged use of anabolic steroids, over time the organs “shut down” and stop working without “feeding” from the outside.

Thus, a person will have to take synthetic hormones all his life in order to maintain the functionality of the paired organ. At the same time, it should be noted that if taken for a long time, they cause a lot of other negative side effects, such as:

• hyperglycemia;
• osteoporosis;
• peptic ulcer disease;
• psychiatric disorders;
• decreased immunity.

Adrenal hyperfunction is characteristic of Icenko-Cushing’s disease, hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome) and pheochromocytoma (tumor). The first disorder in men is diagnosed extremely rarely. The second occurs due to increased production of the hormone aldosterone. The cause of the development of this pathology is most often an adrenal tumor.

Pheochromocytoma is a benign or malignant hormonally active tumor that can produce norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine. Adrenal hyperfunction is characterized by:

• A sustained increase in blood pressure;
• increased sweating;
• edema;
• muscle weakness;
• seizures;
• weight gain.

In addition, frequently occurring panic attacks (in the absence of mental illness, CNS pathologies, negative social factors, excessive stress, somatic diseases) in some cases indicate the presence of pheochromocytoma.

Diagnosis and treatment

If hypofunction or hyperfunction of the adrenal glands is suspected, it is necessary to consult a doctor-endocrinologist.

The list of basic diagnostic examinations, as a rule, includes ultrasound examination, MRI or CT, as well as blood and urine analysis.

1. Two to three days before the ultrasound should be excluded from the diet products that cause flatulence.
2. It is also important to prepare for a blood test for adrenal hormones. Two days before taking the material, it is necessary to refuse to eat food that causes an increase in the concentration of adrenaline in the blood (citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate).
3. The day before the visit to the laboratory is recommended to avoid sports and physical exertion, exclude alcohol, if possible, do not get nervous, do not overwork, get a good night’s sleep and do not smoke before blood donation.
4. It is desirable to take medication in the morning after the procedure. At high levels of stress, the level of adrenal hormones will be elevated. This is a normal reaction of the body to irritants.

If on the eve of taking the analysis a person experienced a strong emotional shock or suffered excessive physical exertion, then with a visit to the laboratory should be delayed.

The basis for the prevention of adrenal diseases is regular preventive examinations, as well as compliance with work and rest, limited use of sugar and caffeine, reducing the number of stressful situations that have a negative impact on the emotional state.

It is important to note that self-treatment with steroid hormones and other types of drugs to activate the adrenal glands can be dangerous to health, so self-medication should be abandoned. If there are indications for taking these medications, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the therapy regimen.