NASET Q & A Corner Issue #71: Adrenal Glands Disorders

The adrenal glands, located on the top of each kidney, are responsible for releasing different classes of hormones. Adrenal gland disorders occur when the adrenal glands do not work properly. They can be classified into disorders where too much hormone is produced or where too little hormone is produced. These disorders can occur when the adrenal gland itself is affected by a disease process due to genetic mutation, tumors, or infections. Or, sometimes the cause is a problem in another gland, such as the pituitary, which helps to regulate the adrenal gland. In addition, some medications can cause the adrenal gland not to function properly. When the adrenal glands produce too few or too many hormones, or when too many hormones are introduced by an outside source, significant disorders can develop. The focus of this issue of NASET’s Q & A Corner will be to address issues pertaining to adrenal gland disorders