Adrenal Glands
Adrenal Glands can be found above your kidneys. They are two small organs, one located above each kidney. They are triangular in shape and about the size of a thumb.
Adrenal Glands: what are they?
The adrenal glands are also known as endocrine glands. The hormones cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine – and a small fraction of the body’s sex hormones (estrogen and androgens), are produced by the adrenal glands. These hormones affect:
- Control of blood pressure
- Chemical levels in the blood
- Water use in the body
- Glucose usage
- The “fight or flight” reaction during times of stress
- Some of the sex hormones in both men and women
Adrenal Gland problems: causes and symptoms
The adrenal glands are part of a complex system and the range of symptoms is broad. The symptoms can be opposite extremes depending on the overproduction or underproduction of hormones and can range between:
- Weight gain or weight loss
- High or low blood sugar
- High or low blood pressure
- Fatigue, anxiety or headaches
Adrenal Gland Figures
Diseases of the adrenal gland are relatively rare. The most common reason that a patient may need to have surgery is due to excess hormones produced by benign (non-cancerous) tumors located within the adrenal glands. Fortunately, malignant adrenal tumors are also rare. Most tumors are small and found by chance when a patient gets an CT scan to evaluate another problem.
Today, with minimally invasive surgery, removal of the adrenal gland (also known as “laparoscopic adrenalectomy”) can be performed through three or four 1-2 cm incisions. Patients may leave the hospital in one or two days and return to work more quickly than patients recovering from open surgery.
Enquire or make an appointment at Advance Surgical : (08) 9386 2634.
Useful Links
- Read about Adrenal Tumours and the causes and treatments available.
- Learn more about Adrenal Gland Surgery.
- Read about Adrenalectomy and how it could be a viable treatment option for you.