What Is Overactive Adrenal Glands?
Your adrenal glands are small organs located above each kidney. They make hormones that help control important body functions such as blood pressure, metabolism, stress response, and growth.
Several conditions can cause the adrenal glands to become overactive. These may include:
- Growths or tumors on the adrenal glands
- Problems involving the pituitary gland
- Tumors elsewhere in the body that affect hormone production
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines
- Certain inherited hormone disorders
When the adrenal glands produce too much hormone, the condition is called overactive adrenal glands. The symptoms and health effects depend on which hormone is being made in excess.
Symptoms
Overactive adrenal glands can affect the body in different ways. Some symptoms develop slowly over time, while others may appear more suddenly.
Common symptoms may include:
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain around the abdomen or face
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Easy bruising or thinning skin
- Purple or pink stretch marks
- Acne or increased facial and body hair
- Headaches
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Low potassium levels
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will begin with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. Because hormone imbalances can affect many parts of the body, diagnosis often includes specialized testing.
Common tests may include:
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels
- Urine testing
- CT scans or MRI imaging to look at the adrenal glands
- Additional endocrine testing when needed
These tests help determine which hormone is elevated and identify the underlying cause.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of hormone imbalance and what is causing it. Many people begin with medications to help lower hormone production or manage symptoms such as high blood pressure.
If steroid medicines are contributing to the problem, your provider may recommend slowly reducing the dose under medical supervision. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove a tumor or affected adrenal gland.
Recovery varies from person to person. Some people improve quickly after treatment, while others may need ongoing monitoring to keep hormone levels balanced.
