sábado, 11 de enero de 2014

Adrenal Gland Disorders: MedlinePlus

Adrenal Gland Disorders: MedlinePlus

A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
From the National Institutes of HealthNational Institutes of Health







The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that you can't live without, including sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol helps you respond to stress and has many other important functions.


With adrenal gland disorders, your glands make too much or not enough hormones. In Cushing's syndrome, there's too much cortisol, while with Addison's disease, there is too little. Some people are born unable to make enough cortisol.


Causes of adrenal gland disorders include


  • Genetic mutations

  • Tumors including pheochromocytomas

  • Infections

  • A problem in another gland, such as the pituitary, which helps to regulate the adrenal gland

  • Certain medicines



Treatment depends on which problem you have. Surgery or medicines can treat many adrenal gland disorders.


NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development


Illustration of the kidneys and adrenal glands






National Institutes of Health











No hay comentarios:

Publicar un comentario