Adrenal glands produce hormones that perform a variety of functions. They help you regulate blood pressure and react to physical and emotional stressors. Examples of adrenal hormones include adrenaline, norepinephrine, cortisol, and aldosterone.
Your adrenal hormones control your body’s reaction to changes in your environment — everything from how your body responds to allergies and infections to lack of sleep or stress at work. When your body doesn’t produce enough or produces too much of a hormone, it can lead to conditions such as:
- Addison's disease: underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone
- Adrenal cancer: an aggressive cancer that often spreads to other organs
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a genetic disorder that causes underproduction of cortisol
- Conn’s syndrome: overproduction of aldosterone
- Cushing's syndrome: overproduction of cortisol
University of Miami Health System offers expert care for adrenal gland disorders, which are often difficult to diagnose. Our team of endocrinology specialists develops a personalized treatment plan using the latest treatments. You will work with a highly trained team that’s dedicated to helping you feel better.
Tests
Blood and Urine Tests
Blood and urine tests measure hormone levels of cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, and other hormones produced by the adrenal gland.
ACTH Stimulation Test
Also called a cortisol stimulation test, this blood test evaluates how your adrenal gland responds to the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates cortisol production. You receive synthetic ACTH intravenously (through an IV), and your doctor compares hormone levels before and after the test. This test is used to diagnose Addison's disease.
Imaging Exams
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) provide highly detailed images of your adrenal glands, which can find abnormalities such as growths or tumors.
Treatments
Medicines
Medicines stop the adrenal gland from overproducing hormones and control symptoms, such as high blood pressure or fatigue.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
If your body doesn't make enough of one or more adrenal hormones, hormone replacement therapy can restore a healthy hormonal imbalance, such as glucocorticoids to replace cortisol or mineralocorticoids to replace aldosterone. HRT can be given as a pill or by injection.
Surgery
When surgery is necessary, our endocrinology surgeons use the least invasive surgical approaches to minimize pain and scarring and offer a faster recovery. Surgery may be necessary to remove one or both adrenal glands, tumors (cancerous and noncancerous), or cysts.
Why Choose UHealth?
Customized treatment plans for adrenal gland problems. Hormone imbalances can cause heart problems, high blood pressure , and metabolic concerns, so we take a comprehensive treatment approach. We design a personalized treatment plan to lower your risk factors, minimize symptoms, and help you feel better.
A comprehensive, team approach. Our endocrinologists work closely with surgeons, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, radiologists, dietitians, and other specialists to provide complete care. We address all aspects of your condition to improve your health and well-being.
The latest, research-backed treatments. As an academic medical center, we leverage the latest research completed by the nationally recognized University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to offer the latest treatments — including promising new treatments through clinical trials. You benefit from medical advancements before they’re widely available, provided by leading endocrinology experts who are known worldwide for their expertise. Our researchers are discovering better ways to diagnose and treat adrenal and pituitary disorders.
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