Location of the adrenal glands. The structure of the adrenal glands: basic functions and hormones

06.03.2020

Paired endocrine glands are located at the upper poles of the kidneys and perform a number of important functions: they release norepinephrine and adrenaline into the bloodstream during stress, determine secondary sexual characteristics, and affect blood pressure by releasing aldosterone.

The article discusses such questions: what is the adrenal glands, the structure of the adrenal glands, their main functions and hormones.

Where are the adrenal glands located in the body? Anatomically, they are located behind the peritoneum, enclosed by a subcutaneous fat layer and renal fascia.

Where a person has the kidneys and adrenal glands can be seen in the photo.

The left and right adrenal glands are characterized by an asymmetrical location. With the correct location of the adrenal glands in the body, they come into contact with other organs. The posterior surface is in contact with the lumbar part of the diaphragm.

The left gland is bordered by the aorta, the cardiac part of the stomach, the tail of the pancreas. Right - with duodenum, inferior vena cava and liver.

Structure

The adrenal glands are a paired organ that produces hormones to regulate the work of the main body systems.

The shape and size of the adrenal glands: in width - up to 3-4 cm, in length - 5-6 cm, not more than 1 cm thick, the left adrenal gland is in the shape of a crescent and is slightly larger than the right one, which looks like a trihedral pyramid. Their average weight is 7-10 g.

How are the adrenal glands arranged? Anatomy of the adrenal glands: lateral and medial pedicle, body. The main components of the adrenal gland body are the cortex and medulla. The work of the cortical substance is coordinated by hormones endocrine systemproduced by the pituitary gland.

The structure of the glands is layered:

Each layer has anatomical, functional and structural differences, as a result of which the cells of the cortex produce different hormones: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and corticosteroids. In the absence of functional failures, the cortex synthesizes about 30-40 mg of hormones per day.
The adrenal cortex consists of three parts (zones, layers): glomerular, bundle and reticular. This zoning can only be traced under a microscope.

The glomerular zone is represented by rectangular cells, which are connected in arches (glomeruli). This zone is the main site for the synthesis of mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), which regulate blood pressure in the body.

The beam zone is the widest zone. This layer is made up of light and long polyhedral (cubic) cells, which are located perpendicular to the surface of the organ and form bundles.

Steroid hormones (glucocorticoids) are synthesized here: cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid that coordinates metabolism. Cortisol also activates other hormones (catecholamine and glucagon).

The reticular zone is the middle part of the cortex, which is represented by the endocrinocytes forming the reticulum. Androgens are produced here: DHEA sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione (converted into testosterone).

The medulla is the central part of the gland, composed of large chromaffin cells. These cells synthesize catecholamines: norepinephrine (80%) and adrenaline (20%).

In case of a threat to the body, catecholamines activate the defense reaction. The activation reaction is triggered after receiving a signal through the nerve endings of the spinal cord. This process also involves cortisol, synthesized by the cortex.

Compared to other organs, the glands have a large blood supply per gram of tissue. The supply of the adrenal glands with arterial blood is carried out simultaneously with the kidneys by three large arteries:

The main adrenal artery emerging from the inferior phrenic artery.
Coming out of abdominal aorta middle adrenal.
The inferior adrenal artery leaving the renal artery.

The outflow of blood is from the right adrenal vein, which flows into the inferior vena cava, and the left adrenal vein, which connects to the left renal vein and the inferior vein of the diaphragm.

Some of the vessels supply blood to the cortical layer, some pass through it into the medulla.

Main functions

The function of the adrenal glands is the production of hormones and active biological substances that directly affect the growth, development and functioning of vital organs.

Some are the building blocks of various biological substances, others serve to regulate metabolic processes in the body, and others contribute to the production of sex hormones.

The main effect of the adrenal glands on the body is the inclusion of defense mechanisms in various stressful situations (synthesis of norepinephrine and adrenaline). Dysfunction of the glands can lead to the development of diseases.

Adrenal hormones

The production of hormonal substances is the main function of the adrenal glands.

Hormones can vary:

impact on the body;
biochemical structure and starting materials for synthesis.

Three main groups of hormones are synthesized in the cortical layer:

Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone, corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone).
Glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone).
Sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, adrenosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate).

Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a sodium-sparing hormone, that is, it acts directly on the distal convoluted and collecting tubules of the kidneys. Aldosterone is involved in maintaining water and electrolyte homeostasis in the body.

It increases the reverse osmosis of sodium ions and the excretion of hydrogen and potassium ions in the kidneys. In the case of dehydration due to increased sweating or frequent diarrhea, the hormone retains sodium in the body by regulating reabsorption in the sweat glands and large intestine.

Angiotensin-II is the main stimulant of aldosterone and stimulates juxtaglomerular cells in the kidneys with a decrease in systolic blood pressure to 90 mm Hg. Art. and below.

Functions:

increased blood pressure;
direct effect on water-salt metabolism (retention of sodium and water, increased release of potassium and hydrogen).

Glucocorticosteroids (cortisol and others) cause various reactions in the body:

Anti-stress:

ensuring stress resistance (increasing the sensitivity of myocardial cells and blood vessels and blood vessels to catecholamines, increasing blood pressure);
participation in the coordination of the production of erythrocyte cells in the bone marrow;
organization of the maximum protective reaction in case of blood loss, trauma, shock.

Impact on metabolic processes:

blocking glucose utilization;
an increase in blood glucose by synthesizing it from amino acids in liver cells (gluconeogenesis);
increased fat formation and protein breakdown;
restoration of glycogen content in muscle tissue and liver;
contribute to the retention of water, sodium and chlorine in cells and the excretion of potassium and calcium.

Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory:

a decrease in the number of leukocytes;
decrease in the permeability of the walls of blood vessels and tissue barriers;
blocking the formation of free radicals;
inhibition of the production of autoantibodies;
inhibition of the growth of scar tissue;
a decrease in the sensitivity of cells to serotonin, histamine, but an increase to adrenaline.
inhibition of the synthesis of mast cells that release mediators to maintain an allergic reaction.

Impact on the immune system:

inhibition of the activity of lymphoid cells and blocking the maturation of T- and B-lymphocytes;
inhibition of antibody production;
inhibition of the production of lymphokines and cytokines by cells responsible for immunity;
inhibition of cell absorption by leukocytes.

Functions:

They regulate the development of secondary sexual characteristics in women and men (a certain type of fat deposition and muscle development, hair formation).
They take part in the process of bearing the fetus.
Androgens are the building blocks of muscle.
The medulla is responsible for the synthesis of adrenaline and norepinephrine (catecholamines).

Catecholamines

Preparing the body for a stressful situation. Physiological action manifests itself in interaction with α- and β-adrenergic receptors of cells (smooth muscles of blood vessels, heart, bronchi, gastrointestinal tract), which are involved in the work of the sympathetic nervous system, and is characterized by:

expansion of the lumen of the bronchi;
spastic narrowing of the arteries;
increased blood pressure.

Norepinephrine has a stronger vasoconstrictor effect, but has less effect on the contraction of the muscles of the heart, on smooth muscles bronchi and intestines than adrenaline.

Influence on metabolic processes in liver cells: lipolysis, glyconeogenesis, thermogenesis.
Blocking the formation of insulin.

The production of glucocorticosteroids and sex hormones in the adrenal glands is influenced by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), synthesized by the pituitary gland.

Failure of the adrenal glands leads to pathological reactions of the body and diseases.

Diseases of the adrenal glands

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands (insufficient / increased production of hormones in the body or a mixed form) can lead to a number of diseases.

Increased secretion of hormones:

itsenko-Cushing's syndrome. It develops against the background of increased formation of the hormone adrenocorticotropin. The patient complains of the following symptoms of the disease:

general malaise;
long wound healing;
headache;
pustular skin diseases;
fragility of blood vessels and the constant formation of hematomas;
the appearance of hair on the chest, face, abdomen and legs in women.

connes syndrome. Pronounced symptoms are not typical for the syndrome;
hypercatecholaminemia. The cause of the pathological condition is oncological changes in the cells of the medulla. Clinical signs may be mild. There is an alternation of peaks in high and low blood pressure;
hyperandrogenism. An excess of androgens in the blood of women can be manifested by the development of secondary male sexual characteristics;
secondary insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus of the first type. It is characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels.

An insufficient amount of hormones leads to the development of diseases of the adrenal glands:

Addison's disease. It occurs when the level of the hormone cortisol in the human blood is low and manifests itself as a violation of all metabolic processes. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

general weakness;
lowering blood pressure;
the skin takes on a dark tanned tint (hyperpigmentation);
nausea, vomiting;
minor disorders of the central nervous system.

Hypocorticism. The disease always has a sudden and acute onset and resembles the symptoms of shock, so it is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms:

violation of the heart rhythm;
a sharp drop in blood pressure;
indigestion;
decrease in body temperature;
disruption of the cardiovascular system (syndrome of its insufficiency);
swelling of the brain.

Mixed form:

Neoplasms. Symptoms of the disease may be absent and depend on the work of the adrenal glands and other organs, including internal secretion.

Treatment

In case of impaired functioning of the adrenal glands, it is necessary to consult a specialist for a thorough examination.

It is important to determine the content of hormones in the blood (increase or decrease in their level). Since some diseases have general symptoms, a complete examination is necessary and differential diagnostics... In case of a disease, the doctor will select the appropriate medicinal substance, self-medication is strictly prohibited.

Conclusion

The endocrine glands of the adrenal glands perform vital functions and affect most of the processes in the body. A number of hormones are synthesized in the adrenal glands.

Disruption of the work of these organs leads to various diseases that require urgent treatment.

The adrenal glands are located at the level of the XI-XII thoracic vertebrae. The right adrenal gland, like the kidney, lies somewhat lower than the left. Its posterior surface is adjacent to the lumbar part of the diaphragm, its anterior surface is in contact with the visceral surface of the liver and duodenum, and the lower concave (renal) surface - with the upper end of the right kidney. The medial edge (margo medialis) of the right adrenal gland is bordered by the inferior vena cava. The left adrenal gland is in contact with the aorta medial edge, the anterior surface is adjacent to the tail of the pancreas and the cardiac part of the stomach. The posterior surface of the left adrenal gland is in contact with the diaphragm, the lower one - with the upper end of the left kidney and its medial edge. Each adrenal gland (both right and left) lies in the thickness of the perirenal fatty body. The anterior surfaces of the left and right adrenal glands are partially covered by the renal fascia and the parietal peritoneum.

The mass of one adrenal gland in an adult is about 12-13 g. The length of the adrenal gland is 40-60 mm, height (width) - 20-30 mm, thickness (anteroposterior size) - 2-8 mm. The mass and size of the right adrenal gland is slightly less than that of the left.

Sometimes an additional ectopic tissue of the adrenal cortex is found in the body (in the kidneys, spleen, retroperitoneal region below the kidneys, along the aorta, in the pelvis, spermatic cord, broad ligament of the uterus). Perhaps congenital absence of one of the adrenal glands. A characteristic feature of their cortical substance is its ability to regenerate.

The structure of the adrenal glands

The surface of the adrenal gland is slightly bumpy. On the front surface, especially the left adrenal gland, a deep groove is visible - the gate (hilum) through which the central vein exits the organ. Outside, the adrenal gland is covered with a fibrous capsule, tightly fused with the parenchyma and extending into the interior of the organ numerous connective tissue trabeculae. The cortical substance (cortex; cortex), which has a rather complex histological structure and consisting of three zones. Outside, closer to the capsule, is the glomerular zone (zona glomerulosa), behind it is the middle fasciculate zone (zona fasciculate), on the border with the medulla is the inner reticular zone (zona reticularis). The morphological feature of the zones is the distribution of glandular cells, which is peculiar for each zone, connective tissue and blood vessels.

The cortex in an adult accounts for about 90% of the adrenal gland tissue. This layer consists of three zones: outer - glomerular, middle - bundle and inner (surrounding the medullary layer) - reticular. Located directly under the fibrous capsule, the glomerular zone occupies approximately 15% of the cortical layer volume; its cells contain a relatively small amount of cytoplasm and lipids, and produce the hormone aldosterone. The bundle zone accounts for 75% of the total cortical substance; its cells are rich in cholesterol and cholesterol esters, and produce mainly cortisol (hydrocortisone). The cells of the reticular zone also produce this substance; they are relatively poor in lipids and contain many granules. In addition to cortisol, the cells of this zone (like the bundle) produce sex hormones - androgens and estrogens.

More than 50 different steroid compounds are produced in the adrenal cortex. It serves as the only source of gluco- and mineralocorticoids in the body, the most important source of androgens in women and plays a minor role in the production of estrogens and progestins. Glucocorticoids, named for their ability to regulate carbohydrate metabolism, are important in maintaining many vital functions and especially in supporting the body's responses to stress. They also take part in the regulation of growth and development processes. The main glucocorticoid in humans is cortisol, and an excess or deficiency of this steroid is accompanied by life-threatening shifts. Of the mineralocorticoids (so named for their ability to regulate salt metabolism), aldosterone is the main one in humans. An excess of mineralocorticoids causes arterial hypertension and hypokalemia, and deficiency - hyperkalemia, which may be incompatible with life.

Glomerular zone formed by small, prismatic cells, located in the form of small groups - glomeruli. In these cells, the endoplasmic reticulum is well developed, and lipid droplets with a size of about 0.5 μm are present in the cytoplasm. The glomeruli are surrounded by convoluted capillaries with fenestrated endothelium.

Beam zone (the widest part of the adrenal cortex) consists of large light polyhedral cells. These cells form long cords (bundles) oriented perpendicular to the surface of the adrenal gland. The cells of this zone have a well-developed non-granular endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, numerous lipid drops, ribosomes, particles of glycogen, cholesterol, and ascorbic acid... Blood capillaries with fenestrated endothelium are located between the cords of endocrinocytes.

Mesh areamake up small polyhedral and cubic cells that form small cell clusters. The cells of the reticular zone are rich in elements of the non-granular endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes.

The listed zones are functionally separate. The cells of each zone produce hormones that differ from each other not only in chemical composition, but also in terms of physiological action. Adrenal cortex hormones are collectively referred to as corticosteroids and can be divided into three groups: mineralocorticoids - aldosterone secreted by cells of the glomerular cortex; glucocorticoids: hydrocortisone, corticosterone, 11-dehydro- and 11-deoxycorticosterone, formed in the bundle zone; sex hormones -androgens, in structure and function close to the male sex hormone, estrogen and progesterone, produced by the cells of the reticular zone.

Aldosterone is involved in the regulation of electrolyte and water metabolism, changes the permeability of cell membranes for calcium and sodium, and stimulates the formation of collagen. Glucocorticoids affect protein metabolism, increase blood glucose, glycogen - in the liver, skeletal muscles, myocardium. Glucocorticoids also accelerate filtration in the glomeruli of the kidney, reduce the reabsorption of water in the distal convoluted tubules of nephrons, inhibit the formation of the basic substance of connective tissue and the proliferation of fibroblasts.

In the center of the adrenal gland is the medulla (medulla), formed by large cells stained with chromium salts in a yellowish-brown color. There are two types of these cells: epinephrocytes make up the bulk of cells and produce adrenaline, norepinephrocytes, scattered in the medulla in the form of small groups, produce norepinephrine.

Adrenaline breaks down glycogen, reduces its reserves in the muscles and liver, increases the content of carbohydrates in the blood, acting as an insulin antagonist, enhances and accelerates the contraction of the heart muscle, narrows the vascular lumen, thereby increasing blood pressure. The effect of norepinephrine on the body is similar to the effect of adrenaline, however, the effect of these hormones on some functions can be completely opposite. Norepinephrine, in particular, slows down the heart rate.

Adrenal development

The adrenal cortex and medulla are different in origin. The cortical substance differentiates from the mesoderm (from the coelomic epithelium) between the root of the dorsal mesentery of the primary intestine and the urogenital fold. The tissue developing from mesodermal cells and located between the two primary kidneys is called interrenal tissue. It gives rise to the adrenal cortex, additional adrenal glands (interrenal bodies, glandulae suprarenales accessoriae) are formed from it.

The adrenal medulla develops from embryonic nerve cells - sympathoblasts, which are evicted from the inlays of the nodes of the sympathetic trunk and turn into chromaffinoblasts, and the latter into chromaffin cells of the medulla. Chromaffinoblasts also serve as material for the formation of paraganglia, which in the form of small clusters of chromaffin cells are located near the abdominal aorta - the aortic paraganglion (paraganglion aorticum), as well as in the thickness of the nodes of the sympathetic trunk - sympathetic paraganglia (paraganglia sympathica).

The introduction of future cells of the medulla into the interrenal adrenal gland begins in an embryo 16 mm long. Simultaneously with the unification of the interrenal and adrenal parts, the differentiation of the cortical zones and the maturation of the medulla occur.

Adrenal vessels and nerves

Each adrenal gland receives 25-30 arteries. The largest of these are the superior adrenal arteries (from the inferior phrenic artery), the middle adrenal arteries (from the abdominal aorta), and the inferior adrenal arteries (from the renal artery). Some of the branches of these arteries supply blood only to the cortex, while others pierce the adrenal cortex and branch out in the medulla. From sinusoidal blood capillaries, tributaries of the central vein are formed, which flows into the inferior vena cava in the right adrenal gland, and into the left renal vein in the left adrenal gland. Numerous small veins emerge from the adrenal glands (especially the left) and flow into the tributaries of the portal vein.

The lymphatic vessels of the adrenal glands flow into the lumbar the lymph nodes... Involved in the innervation of the adrenal glands vagus nerves, as well as nerves originating from the celiac plexus, which contain preganglionic sympathetic fibers for the medulla.

Age features of the adrenal glands

In a 5-6 week old fetus, a primitive adrenal cortex is formed in the retroperitoneal mesenchyme. Soon it is surrounded by a thin layer of more compact cells. In a newborn, the adrenal cortex consists of two zones - fetal and definitive. The former produces mainly precursors of androgens and estrogens, while the latter is likely to function as in an adult. The share of the fetal zone accounts for the bulk of the gland of the fetus and newborn. By the 2nd week of postnatal life, its weight decreases by one third due to the degeneration of the fetal zone. This process begins in the prenatal period. The completely fetal zone disappears by the end of the first year of life. The final formation of the three zones of the adrenal cortex is delayed until 3 years of age. Then the adrenal glands continue to enlarge (especially before and during puberty) and by the end of puberty they reach the size characteristic of an adult.

As you know, in the human body there are many mechanisms necessary for the regulation of life. One of them is the endocrine system, which is responsible for the formation and secretion of hormones. It includes organs such as the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and germ cells. Each of them is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones and their own functions. One of the most important endocrine glands is the adrenal glands. Despite their small size, they provide regulation of many processes in the human body. This is due to the fact that the adrenal glands secrete several hormones at once, each of which plays a specific role.

Functions and structure of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are paired organs that are located in the retroperitoneal space. They are located directly on the upper surface of the kidneys and have their own capsule. The right and left glands differ from each other in shape, but have approximately the same size and location. Both adrenal glands are composed of two layers: the cortex and the medulla. The first occupies the bulk of the thickness of the organs. Thanks to it, the water-salt balance, mineral metabolism are maintained, and sexual functions are also provided. The adrenal medulla takes up a smaller part, but its role is also very important for life. Thanks to him, hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine enter the bloodstream. These substances are necessary not only for the normal functioning of the heart, but are also one of the main mediators of the nervous system. The structure and functions of the adrenal glands are in direct relationship with each other, since each zone of these organs is responsible for the production of its own hormone. This allows you to diagnose violations of a certain part of the gland.

Adrenal cortex

Under the fibrous capsule is the adrenal cortex. It occupies 90% of the thickness of the gland. In turn, this layer is divided into 3 parts. The glomerular, fascicular and reticular zones are included in one anatomical formation, which is called the "adrenal cortex". The functions of each of these layers are different. They are associated with hormones that are produced in a particular area. The glomerular layer is responsible for maintaining mineral metabolism in the body. It releases hormones such as aldosterone and corticosterone into the bloodstream. Thanks to their action, the work of the renal tubules is regulated, as a result of which excess fluid is not retained in the body. In addition to maintaining ion exchange, these hormones help maintain normal blood pressure. The functions of the adrenal glands are also determined by the bundle zone of the cortex. In it, glucocorticosteroids are formed - the main regulators of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. In addition, these hormones are closely related to catecholamines and insulin. Corticosteroids affect many processes in the body. Among them - suppression of inflammatory reactions, expansion of the bronchi, decreased immune response, etc. The reticular cortex produces androgens - sex hormones responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Adrenal medulla

The functions of the adrenal glands also largely depend on the medulla. This is where the adrenaline builds up. This hormone is responsible for such important indicators as blood pressure and pulse. Adrenaline, in another way - epinephrine, is released into the bloodstream under the influence of stressful situations. At rest, the hormone is released only in small amounts. Forms and accumulates adrenaline adrenal medulla. The functions of this hormone are also associated with the transmission of nerve impulses. In this case, adrenaline acts as a mediator.

Adrenal glands: hormones and functions in the body

Despite the fact that the adrenal cortex and the medulla secrete different hormones, they are all related. The functions of the adrenal glands are performed due to the close interaction of both layers. For example, adrenaline is released into the bloodstream with the help of corticosteroids, which, as it were, “signal” the body about stress. In addition, the hormones of the bundle zone are responsible for the regulation of all types of metabolism, which occurs due to their relationship with the secretions of the pancreas and thyroid glands. Their effect is aimed at helping biogenic amines such as thyroxine, glucagon and adrenaline. They also regulate the production of insulin by the cells of the pancreas. All this is carried out by the adrenal glands, their functions in the body are very important for life. If these glands are disturbed, the entire endocrine system can be affected.

Functions of the adrenal glands in women and men

In addition to the fact that the adrenal glands are involved in many life processes, they are responsible for appearance person, voice and sexual behavior. All this is provided by sex hormones - androgens produced in the reticular cortex. It can be argued that the functions of the adrenal glands in women and men are identical. However, thanks to the androgens of the reticular zone, secondary sexual characteristics appear during adolescence. In women, this is characterized by a lack of facial hair, a thin voice, and the growth of mammary glands. Androgens in men promote development muscle mass, the appearance of a mustache and beard, and behavioral changes during adolescence.

Disruption of the adrenal glands

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands leads to various consequences for the body. Manifestations depend on the spread of the lesion to the tissue of the gland. In addition, the violation can be associated with both hyper- and hyposecretion of hormones. Depending on this, one or another function of the human adrenal glands suffers. The most common symptoms are: increased blood pressure, female obesity, increased skin pigmentation (most often on the abdomen), alopecia. In addition to these manifestations, there are more serious problems, such as a combined violation of all types of metabolism, hermaphroditism, hypertensive crisis with the development of heart attack and stroke.

Diseases in violation of the adrenal cortex

There are many pathologies associated with disorders in the adrenal cortex. The most common of them are Itsenko-Cushing's disease and Conn's syndrome. The first is associated with increased production and release of corticosteroids. The main manifestations of Itsenko-Cushing's disease: hyperglycemia, obesity of the face and upper half of the body, muscle weakness, increased pigmentation of the abdominal skin in the form of stripes (striae). Conn's syndrome develops when there is a violation in the glomerular cortex. It is characterized by an increased content of aldosterone. Clinically, this is manifested by muscle weakness and cramps, itching, diabetes symptoms - thirst and polyuria. Violation in the mesh area in boys can lead to acceleration - early puberty or, conversely, to infantilism. Girls have symptoms such as hirsutism - male-pattern hairiness, rough voice, underdevelopment of the mammary glands. In rare cases, violation of the mesh zone leads to hermaphroditism. The combined deficiency of all hormones in the cortex is called Addison's disease.

Disorder of the adrenal medulla

Another function of the adrenal glands in the human body is associated with the medulla. If this layer is disturbed, a disease such as pheochromocytoma develops. It is characterized by increased production and secretion of adrenaline into the blood. The consequence of this is an increase in blood pressure to critical values. The disease is often confused with hypertension and kidney disease. Its difference is that an increase in blood pressure occurs suddenly and reaches high numbers. In addition, the patient's condition returns to normal just as unexpectedly. Hypertension with pheochromocytoma requires special treatment... The consequences of this condition are dangerous by the development of a heart attack and acute cerebrovascular accident.

Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal diseases

Adrenal disease can be suspected by clinical manifestations. The final diagnosis will become clear only after donating blood for hormones and instrumental examination methods (ultrasound, MRI, scintigraphy). Most often, adrenal tumors lead to diseases. Pathologies associated with hormone hypersecretion require surgical treatment. After the operation, the adrenal glands can fully recover. In case of hormone deficiency, lifelong substitution therapy.

To determine how the adrenal glands hurt, and most importantly, what symptoms are inherent in diseases, it will be necessary to consider in detail the pathologies diagnosed in patients, the consequences of their development.

At any age, you should listen to your body and to the idea that the glands are not working properly. The following symptoms should alert you:

too fast fatigue;
muscle weakness and increased incidence of seizures;
irritability and nervousness;
malfunctions from the central nervous system;
dyspeptic disorders;
low or high blood pressure;
the appearance of pigmented areas of the body, as a rule, not covered by clothing.

These symptoms are more or less characteristic of diseases of the adrenal glands, which are described in more detail below.

It is the adrenal glands that are responsible for the release of a number of hormonal substances that ensure the normal functioning of the entire body. Some hormonal substances are responsible for the quality of metabolic processes in the body. A striking proof of this is the hormones glucocorticoids. They regulate normal carbohydrate metabolism. Due to the failure of the normal functioning of this hormone, namely an overabundance, the risk of diabetes is possible.

Another important task of adrenal hormones is the normal procedure, when there is a breakdown of adipose tissue, control of their location, the amount of production, where they are debugged. How long water is retained in the human body, how well-established mineral metabolism in humans depends on their work.

Before talking about possible pathological processes in them, it is necessary to understand their importance for the human body. What functions will the adrenal glands perform:

Regulate metabolic processes;
Responsible for the production of important hormones;
They restore the body after stress and mental shocks.

With violations of their function, stressful situations are difficult for a person, for several days, when the body is recovering, symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue, panic, fear can be observed, and prolonged depression develops in the future.

A disruption in the work of this organ can lead to serious diseases and the growth of tumor formations. The paired glandular organ produces certain hormones, and consists of the medulla and external cortex.

Catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine) and steroid hormones, which are responsible for electrolyte, fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, regulate the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.

What hormones are produced by the adrenal glands

The function of the adrenal glands is the production and production of hormones important for the human body. Adrenaline, norepinephrine, aldosterone, cortisol, everyone has already heard about these hormones, and knows how much they are necessary for human body and its normal operation.

Adrenaline - effectively fights in cases of danger, stressful situation, strong emotions (positive and negative) and pain. During the release of adrenaline by the medulla, a person becomes strong, at the time of injury he may not feel it while the hormone is acting, pain dull several times.

What is a hormone for:

Develops reflex abilities;
Raises muscle tone, motor skills;
Promotes mental alertness, attention;
Provides oxygen to the lungs;
Raises the pain threshold.

Norepinephrine is an adrenaline neutralizer, hormones are similar in action, but norepinephrine has fewer functions. The hormone of heroism and resentment is produced in a stressful situation.

Why can one observe a rush of blood to the face when a person is angry, it is this hormone that has been released into the body.

Thanks to the hormone, a person can easily cope with everyday worries, problems and stress. The more norepinephrine, the person has an optimistic attitude and easily solves this or that problem.

An increase in the hormone can be facilitated by - excessive consumption of coffee, excessive exercise, anorexia and strict diets, prolonged depression and severe shocks.

What are the consequences for the body when high level cortisol?

The appearance of diabetes mellitus;
Decrease in the body's immune defenses;
Reduction of testosterone in the blood in men;
Weight loss or gain;
The occurrence of heart problems.

Now it is clear how important these hormones are for our body, an excess or deficiency can lead to serious consequences. A healthy adrenal gland means good immunity, a stable nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular system.

Adrenal classification

Diseases of the adrenal glands are divided into 2 groups:

Lack of hormone;
Excess hormone.

All diseases of this organ can be attributed to:

Primary manifestations of the disease, when a lack of organ function leads to pathological disorders and their primary damage;
Secondary signs are due to a decrease in the work of the cortex of the organ in connection with a violation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
Acute adrenal insufficiency (onn).

Diseases of the adrenal glands

There are quite a few diseases associated with a violation in the work of the organ:

Addison's disease;
Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
Aldosteroma of the adrenal gland;
Pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland;
Fatigue of the adrenal glands;
Adrenal hypertrophy;
Adrenal neuroblastoma;
Adrenal tuberculosis;
Adenocarcinoma of the adrenal gland.

Diseases of the adrenal glands and retroperitoneal space have different symptoms, the causes of the development of the disease and methods of treatment.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease. A fairly rare disease of the endocrine system.

There is a complete or partial disruption in the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, often cortisol.

This disease develops due to a lack of hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) and their production.

Symptoms:

Fatigue, apathy, depression, anxiety;
Weakness in muscles, tremors of the limbs and head;
Dramatic weight loss, lack of appetite;
Diarrhea, flatulence, pain in the abdomen and lower back, vomiting;
Hypotension (lowering blood pressure), tachycardia;
The spread of pigmentation in areas exposed to the sun's rays;
Violation of the psycho-emotional state, rudeness, irascibility;
Disturbance of taste buds and preferences, simultaneous combination of salty and sweet, sour and sweet, etc.;
Intense thirst;
Erectile dysfunction, impotence;
Paralysis.

Autoimmune diseases of the adrenal glands;
Adrenal tuberculosis;
Organ removal;
Hormone therapy and its consequences;
Adrenal hemorrhage, oncology;
HIV and syphilis;
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

Itsenko-Cushing's disease

Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome (cushingoid). The pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone is overproduced and accumulates in the adrenal cortex. The defeat of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland with hyperplastic changes in the adrenal glands.

The syndrome is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Rapid weight gain, obesity, which develops in some areas of the body - the face (becomes puffy), neck, back, chest and abdomen;
The face takes on a reddish-bluish tint;
Muscle failure, lack of muscle tone and elasticity;
Pallor skin;
Atrophy of the muscles and muscle mass in the buttocks, legs and thighs;
The integument of the skin becomes dry, rough, the appearance of spider veins on the body and face;
Muscle pain;
CNS damage, depression, fear and anxiety, suicidal thoughts;
Heart failure.

The cause of the disease is the excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland.

Aldosteroma: causes, symptoms

Aldosteroma is an oncological formation that is located not far from the adrenal glands. A tumor formation develops from epithelial cells of the adrenal cortex and contributes to the appearance of a disease such as Conn's Syndrome.

Renal group:

Intense feeling of thirst;
Frequent urge to urinate (polyuria), especially at night (nocturia);
Damage to the glomeruli of the kidneys and parenchyma (nephropathy).

Signs from the cardiac system are manifested by edema and fragility of blood vessels, the appearance of bruises on the skin, this condition is due to the rapid production of aldosterone in the body.

The manifestation of the disease on the part of the nervous system is manifested by the occurrence of muscle spasms, not an arbitrary tremor of the limbs - this is due to the lack of such important trace elements in the body as magnesium and potassium.

Signs of illness:

Rapid fatigue, weakness of the whole organism;
Partial or complete lack of mobility;
Flatulence, frequent constipation;
Muscle cramps, weakness, and pain;
Myopathy.

All these pathological processes merge into unified system, forming a general symptomatology:

Migraine;
High blood pressure;
Vision drops sharply;
Heart palpitations, tachycardia;
Heartache;
Disorder of the function of the heart muscle.

Causes of aldosteroma:

Endocrine system pathology, diabetes mellitus;
Heredity;
Violation of the adrenal glands, adenoma;
Weak immunity, autoimmune processes;
Hormonal disorders;
Injuries, infections and inflammations affecting the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Diseases of the adrenal glands in men

Nelson's Syndrome. The disease manifests itself against the background of a pituitary tumor and adrenal insufficiency. Often, the syndrome is a secondary manifestation of the underlying adrenal gland disease.

Symptoms:

Migraine;
Violation of the visual apparatus;
Changes in taste preferences;
The appearance of age spots on the body.

Treatment is aimed at restoring the function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, up to surgical intervention, if a drug treatment not effective.

Tumors of the adrenal glands. Tumors can be both benign and malignant, have different density, structure and clinical picture.

The main symptoms are:

Limb tremor;
High blood pressure;
Increased heart rate;
Disturbance from the nervous system, fears, panic attacks, excessive agitation;
Frequent urge to urinate;
Sharp pain in the abdomen.

Adrenal hormones

Diseases of the glands occur both with and without hormonal dysfunctions.

Lack of hormones causing pain and other symptoms, provoked by adrenal insufficiency of the primary or secondary type, acute or chronic form.

Excess hormones occur, as a rule, for other reasons, including:

various tumors of the brain area;
neoplasms of the bundle, glomerular and reticular zones;
mixed tumors;
dysfunction and hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex.

In other cases, glandular pathologies proceed without pronounced problems on the part of the endocrine system due to the formation of tumors that do not have hormonal activity.

The main task of the adrenal glands is considered to be the production of hormones. So the adrenal medulla produces two main hormones: adrenaline and norepinephrine.

Adrenaline is an important stress-relieving hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. The activation of this hormone and its production increases both with positive emotions and stress or trauma. Under the influence of adrenaline, the human body uses the reserves of the accumulated hormone, which will creep in the form of: enlargement and dilation of the pupils, rapid breathing, surges of strength. The human body becomes more powerful, strength appears, and resistance to pain increases.

Adrenaline and norepinephrine - a hormone in the fight against stress

Norepinephrine is a stress hormone believed to be the precursor to adrenaline. Has less effect on the human body, participates in the regulation of blood pressure, which allows you to stimulate the work of the heart muscle. The adrenal cortex produces hormones of the corticosteroid class, which are divided into three layers: the glomerular, bundle, and reticular zone.

Hormones of the adrenal cortex of the glomerular zone produce:

Aldosterone - is responsible for the amount of K and Na ions in human blood. Participates in water-salt metabolism, helps to increase blood circulation, increases blood pressure.
Corticosterone is an inactive hormone that takes part in the regulation of water-salt balance.
Deoxycorticosterone is a hormone of the adrenal gland that increases the resistance in our body, gives strength to the muscles and skeleton, and also regulates the water-salt balance.

Hormones of the adrenal bundle zone:

Cortisol is a hormone that preserves the body's energy resources and is involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The level of cortisol in the blood often fluctuates, so it is much higher in the morning than in the evening.
Corticosterone, the hormone described above, is also produced by the adrenal bundle zone.

The reticular area of \u200b\u200bthe adrenal cortex is responsible for the secretion of sex hormones - androgens, which affect sexual characteristics: libido, increase in muscle mass and strength, body fat, as well as lipids and cholesterol levels in the blood.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that adrenal hormones perform an important function in the human body, and their deficiency or excess amount can lead to the development of disorders in the whole body.

Glucocorticoids

The main glucocorticoid hormones are cortisone, cortisol, corticosterone, deoxycortisol, and dehydrocorticosterone.

Their secretion occurs in stressful situations, as well as with large blood loss, trauma, hypothermia, poisoning and current infectious diseases.

This happens as follows: stress provokes the release of adrenaline, which enters the hypothalamus and gives the latter a signal to stimulate the production of cortisol.

Functions of glucocorticoids:

regulation of protein and carbohydrate metabolism;
increasing the concentration of glucose in the blood by stimulating its synthesis in the liver;
participation in the process of fat metabolism by converting fat cells into energy;
excitement of the nervous system, the formation of an appropriate mood;
fluid retention in the body;
providing anti-inflammatory and healing effect.

All these functions are beneficial for the body when the stress level is low. With prolonged stress, an abundant release of glucocorticoids leads to the withdrawal of calcium from the body, an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid, the development of muscle weakness, and an increase in vascular sensitivity. All this leads to rather serious diseases - osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, psychosis, disorders of the development of the skeleton, diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Mineralocorticoids

This group includes aldosterone, deoxycorticosterone and oxycorticosterone. The first hormone is the most active.

Mineralocorticoid levels are determined by sodium and potassium. Suppresses secretion increased content these elements, and their lack has the opposite effect. In addition, the amount of mineralocorticoids is determined by the secretion of adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone from the pituitary gland, but ACTH is more likely to affect the production of cortisol.

Mineralocorticoid functions:

participation in mineral metabolism (potassium and sodium);
regulation of blood pressure;
control of the concentration of electrolytes in the blood.

Androgens

Androgens are important sex hormones that are necessary for both male and female body. The main hormone of the androgen group is androstenedione. For women, the adrenal glands are their main supplier, and in the male body, this amount of androgens has only a secondary role.

Androgens are 10-20 times less active than testosterone. But even with such a small amount, an increase in the level of androgens can affect the formation of secondary male sexual characteristics in women - body hair, the appearance of a harsh voice. This is one of the symptoms of adrenal gland problems in women.

Functions of androgens:

body hair in the armpits, groin, on the face in men, etc.;
the formation of secondary sexual characteristics;
the formation of sexual behavior;
maintaining libido;
influence on the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
influence on the work of the nervous system.

Catecholamines

The adrenal medulla produces catecholamine hormones. This group includes dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. These are fast-acting hormones, the secretion of which occurs only during stressful situations. They are not vital, but play a significant role in the adaptation of the body to stress.

Functions of catecholamines:

influence on the work of the cardiovascular system by increasing the heart rate;
vasoconstriction;
decreased motility of the gastrointestinal tract;
suppression of the formation of urine;
stimulation of the nervous system, increased reflexes, improved brain activity;
increased work of sweat and sebaceous glands;
expansion of the bronchi.

These glands are responsible for the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine into the bloodstream during stress, and they also produce cortisol and catecholamines.

The adrenal glands also affect renal function by producing aldosterone, which affects plasma osmolarity.

The structure of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are located in the retroperitoneal space above the kidneys, their total mass is 7-10 g. They are surrounded by a fatty layer and renal fascia. Each adrenal gland has a double structure. It consists of the outer adrenal cortex and the inner medulla, both of which are involved in the production of hormones.

The adrenal cortex mainly produces cortisol, aldosterone and androgens, while the medulla produces adrenaline and norepinephrine.

Unlike direct innervation of the medulla, the activity of the adrenal cortex is regulated by neuroendocrine hormones produced in the pituitary gland, which are under the control of the hypothalamus and the renin-angiotensin system.

Adrenal cortex

The adrenal cortex is responsible for the production of corticosteroids and androgen hormones. Some of the hormones are produced by special cells in the cortex, including aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens such as androstenedione.

Under normal conditions, in the absence of damage and external influences, the adrenal glands produce an amount of hormones equivalent to about 35-40 mg of cortisone acetate. The adrenal cortex is made up of three zones or layers.

This zoning is tracked only at the microscopic level and each zone differs from each other by structural and anatomical features. The areas of the adrenal cortex are functionally different, each has different enzymes, which is why each area produces different hormones.

The glomerular zone is the main production site for mineralocorticoids (aldosterone, corticosterone, and deoxycorticosterone), which are primarily responsible for regulating blood pressure.

the main stimulant of aldosterone is angiotesin II. Angiotesin stimulates juxtaglomerular cells if the blood pressure falls below 90.

The bundle zone is located between the glomerular and reticular zone, it is responsible for the production of glucocorticoids, such as 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone and cortisol.

The adrenal glands are paired endocrine glands. In humans, they are located in close proximity to the upper pole of each kidney. They play an important role in the regulation of metabolism and in the adaptation of the body to adverse conditions.

The adrenal glands are composed of two structures, the cortex and the medulla, which are regulated by the nervous system.

Adrenal cortex

The hormones produced in the cortex are referred to as corticosteroids. The adrenal cortex itself morpho-functionally consists of three layers:

1. Glomerular zone (in the glomerular zone hormones are formed, called mineralocorticoids. These include: aldosterone, corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone. Mineralcorticoids increase Na reabsorption and K excretion in the kidneys);

2. Bundle zone (in the bundle zone glucocorticoids are formed, which include: cortisol, corticosterone. Glucocorticoids have an important effect on almost all metabolic processes.

They stimulate the formation of glucose from fats and amino acids (gluconeogenesis), inhibit inflammatory, immune and allergic reactions, reduce the proliferation of connective tissue, and also increase the sensitivity of the sensory organs and the excitability of the nervous system);

3. The reticular zone (in the reticular zone, sex hormones are produced (androgens, which are substances - precursors of estrogens). These sex hormones play a somewhat different role than the hormones secreted by the gonads. They are active before puberty and after the maturation of the gonads; including they influence the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Lack of these sex hormones causes hair loss; excess leads to virilization - the appearance in women of features characteristic of the opposite sex).

Adrenal medulla

The cells of the adrenal medulla produce catecholamines - adrenaline and norepinephrine.

These hormones increase blood pressure, enhance the work of the heart, expand the lumens of the bronchi, and increase blood sugar levels. At rest, they constantly release small amounts of catecholamines.

Under the influence of a stressful situation, the secretion of adrenaline and norepinephrine by the cells of the adrenal medulla increases sharply.

Pancreatic hormones

The main hormones of the pancreas are the following compounds:

Insulin. The main function of insulin in the body is to lower blood sugar levels.

· Glucagon. It is responsible for increasing the glucose content in the bloodstream by stimulating its formation in the liver. In addition, glucagon promotes the breakdown of lipids in adipose tissue.

· C-peptide. It does not belong to the hormones of the pancreas, but is a certain part of the pro-insulin molecule, which is separated from it in the process of synthesis, after which it appears in the bloodstream. C-peptide makes it possible to determine the content of insulin in patients diabetes mellitus, helps to monitor the condition of the fetus in those women who suffer from pregnancy diabetes.

Sex hormones

All sex hormones are synthesized in the gonads.

Estrogens are female sex hormones.

Stimulates the growth and development of internal and external genital organs. Insufficiency leads to infantilism. The development of secondary sexual characteristics is stimulated during puberty (puberty).

Strengthens the processes of blood circulation in the genitals. Regulates the processes of restoration of the endometrium after menstruation. It has a pronounced anabolic effect - it accelerates protein synthesis. Accelerates the maturation of the skeleton.

During pregnancy, it stimulates the growth of the uterus.

Gestagens are female sex hormones of pregnancy.

The physiological function is mainly to ensure the possibility of onset and then in the maintenance of pregnancy (gestation) - hence the name.

Androgens are male sex hormones (testosterone).

testosterone is synthesized in the ovaries, in Leyding cells (seed-supporting cells). Regulates reproductive function in men.

Thymus hormone (thymosin), its effects

The thymus gland is located in the upper mediastinum behind the sternum. Consists of two parts. It is essential in the immune processes.

Thymosin is a peptide that plays an important role in carbohydrate calcium metabolism, regulates the growth and development of the skeleton, enhances the secretion of pituitary gonadotropic hormones. Changes the number of T-lymphocytes throughout life.

Manifestation of hypo- and hyperfunction of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, pancreas, gonads, adrenal glands, thymus gland. Diseases of the thyroid gland - as a regional pathology.

· Hyperfunction of the pituitary gland - at a young age causes gigantism. In adults, acromegaly, increased activity of all glands.

Hypophysis of the pituitary gland - retards growth, while the proportions of the body and mental development are not affected.

· Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland - excessive production of thyroid hormones, leads to a violation of the BJU. The disease is accompanied by: weight loss, tachycardia, increased nervous irritability, bulging.

Hypothyroidism - endemic goiter (characteristic overgrowth of thyroid tissue, which may be associated with a lack of iodine in the environment), congenital hypothyroidism (inhibition of all body functions prevails: the activity of a number of organs and systems is weakened, metabolic processes are sluggish and the presence of trophic disorders) ...

· Hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands - due to excessive release of parathyroid hormone with excessive proliferation of the parathyroid glands. As a result, the level of calcium increases and the level of phosphorus in the blood serum decreases, which leads to changes in the bone tissue, in the urinary system, in the digestive tract.

hypofunction of the parathyroid glands - a decrease in calcium levels and an increase in serum phosphorus levels, which leads to spasmophilia.

Biochemical disorders cause an increase in neuromuscular excitability. At the same time, in contrast to the hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands, a violation of calcium deposition in the bones (osteoporosis) is observed.

· Hyperfunction of the pancreas - general weakness, fatigue, constant drowsiness, apathy. If at this stage appropriate treatment is not prescribed, the disease will continue to progress, and the state of the body will worsen: severe and painful cramps appear, often there are loss of consciousness, and a sharp increase in weight.

hypofunction of the pancreas - is the main harbinger of the onset of diabetes.

Hyperfunction of the gonads - an overabundance (intensive production) of sex hormones (premature puberty, rapid body growth, early development accessory gonads and secondary sexual characteristics.).

hypofunction of the gonads - a lack of production of sex hormones (the growth and development of internal and external genital organs stops, secondary sexual characteristics do not arise, the period of bone growth in length increases, muscle fibers become thinner).

· Hyperfunction of the adrenal glands - causes muscle weakness, skin striae, subcutaneous hemorrhages and contributes to muscle wasting and fatty deposits on the face (moon-shaped face), in the interscapular regions ("buffalo hump") and the mesenteric bed (obesity of the trunk).

hypofunction of the adrenal glands - In this case, as a rule, both the medulla and the cortex are affected at the same time. The most conspicuous symptom is rapid fatigue and a feeling of weakness in the body, often combined with a clear violation of mental performance.

· Hyperfunction of the thymus gland - the thymic-lymphatic status develops. The gland is enlarged. The patient has a pasty puffy face, loose subcutaneous tissue, obesity, thin skin, soft hair.

hypofunction of the thymus gland - growth slows down, physical development, body weight decreases, children often get sick.

Diseases of the thyroid gland - as a regional pathology.

Hypofunction of the thyroid gland can develop in people living in areas where there is a lack of iodine in water and soil. Then the secretion of thyroxine decreases, which leads to an increase in secretion (by the type feedback) TSH. As a result, iron hypertrophies, endemic goiter develops, although thyroxine production remains reduced. Hypothyroidism develops.

Figure No. 14. Endemic goiter... With hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, thyrotoxicosis develops - a diffuse toxic goiter, or Graves' disease. At the same time, thyroid (goiter), exophthalmos appear, tachycardia, increased metabolism, especially the main one. Patients lose weight, having an increased appetite (polyphagia), the body temperature is elevated.

Excitability and irritability increase. Figure № 15. Basedow's disease. The hormone thyrocalcitonin, together with parathyroid hormone, regulate the exchange of calcium and phosphorus. Calcitonin lowers the level of Ca in the blood. In bone tissue, calcitonin activates osteoblast function and enhances mineralization (calcium deposition in bones).

The function of osteoclasts, which destroy bone tissue, is inhibited.

Somatic sensory system, types of skin receptors; Meissner's tactile bodies, pressure receptors - Merkel's discs, Ruffini's little bodies, vibration receptors - Pacini's little bodies, thermoreceptors - cold and heat.

Influence of the adrenal glands on sexual characteristics

The next equally important function of this organ is the production of sex hormones. The bark of these male and female hormones consists of androgens and estrogens. They are responsible for the reproductive system, and also form minor signs of the reproductive system.

Another function of this organ is manifested in the adaptive ability to tolerate stressful situations normally. For this, the body produces norepinephrine and adrenaline. They have an impact on nervous system, gradually transfer the body from a normal to a stressful state.

Another interesting feature of these organs is that they are responsible for the appearance, vocal characteristics and energy of the sexual plan. All this is thanks to hormones. The manifestation of these hormones in the female is characterized by the absence of hair on the face, a pleasant, thin voice, and the presence of mammary glands.

So, what is the adrenal glands, and what are their functions is known. It is also worth saying what happens to the body's work if the adrenal glands cease to function normally. This leads to various negative consequences. It all depends on how the affected area spreads to the glands. It is also worth considering the excess or lack of hormones of this organ. As a result, the functions of the adrenal glands are affected.

Diseases or disorders of the adrenal glands occur when there is an imbalance in one or more hormones in the body. Depending on which hormone is malfunctioning, certain symptoms develop. With a deficiency of aldosterone, a large amount of sodium is excreted along with the urine, which in turn leads to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in potassium in the blood.

If there is a failure in the production of cortisol, with a violation of aldosterone, adrenal insufficiency can frolic, which is a complex disease that threatens human life. The main signs of this disorder are considered to be a decrease in blood pressure, heart palpitations, dysfunction internal organs.

Signs of adrenal disease

Androgen deficiency in boys, especially during intrauterine development, leads to the development of anomalies of the genitals and urethra. In medicine, this condition is called "pseudohermaphroditism." In girls, a deficiency of this hormone leads to delayed puberty and the absence of menstruation. The first signs and symptoms of adrenal diseases develop gradually and are characterized by:

increased fatigue;
muscle weakness;
increased irritability;
sleep disturbance;
anorexia;
nausea, vomiting;
hypotension.

In some cases, hyperpigmentation of open parts of the body is noted: folds of the skin of the hands, the skin around the nipples, elbows becomes 2 tones darker than other areas. Sometimes darkening of the mucous membranes appears. The first signs of adrenal gland diseases are often perceived as ordinary fatigue or minor disorders, but as practice shows, such symptoms often progress and lead to the development of complex diseases.

Fatigue is the first sign of adrenal dysfunction

Adrenal Gland Disease Symptoms

One of the most common adrenal gland pathologies with symptoms most of patients is Addison's disease.

As already mentioned, the disease develops due to primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency.

In the first case, we are talking about damage to the tissues of the glands themselves, in the second - with diseases of the brain, the consequence of which is the involvement of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

If we take the statistics of diagnoses as a basis, then the clinical cases of Addison's disease for the primary type of insufficiency are recorded an order of magnitude less than for the secondary, which is not characterized by skin pigmentation.

Symptoms and pain in the adrenal glands may not manifest themselves for a long time. Various factors are capable of provoking insufficient functioning of the glands, however, the main reason is considered to be a weakening of the immune forces.

At the same time, diseases such as:

tuberculosis of the kidneys and adrenal glands;
defeat by fungal microorganisms;
HIV AIDS;
disruptions of protein metabolism;
complete or partial removal of the glands.

The following symptoms are added to the main manifestations of adrenal insufficiency in the developing Addison's disease:

weakness in the body after experiences;
lack of appetite;
weight loss;
developing susceptibility to viral respiratory infections;
intolerance to ultraviolet rays;
darkening of nipples, lips, mucous membranes;
tachycardia with hypotension;
increased urge to use the toilet at night.

It is also worth noting that men and women often have headaches and decreased libido. Patients note in themselves disorders in brain activity, memory, decreased concentration of attention.

In addition, in women over 30 years of age, hair loss occurs, growing in the armpits, groin.

Nelson's syndrome is a pathological condition of the adrenal glands, with their pronounced dysfunction, which develops as a result of the removal of glands in Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome.

A characteristic feature of Nelson's disease is considered a decrease in visual abilities, their acuity, a deterioration in the work of taste buds, and almost constant headaches.

With Nelson's syndrome, there is an increased pigmentation of certain areas of the skin.

Tumors are among the most commonly diagnosed adrenal problems. Neoplasms of various nature (benign and malignant) carry serious complications and the risk of the patient's life.

In most cases, the examination diagnoses benign tumors, among which:

aldosteroma;
glucocorticosteroma;
pheochromacytoma;
corticoestroma.

Symptoms of adrenal tumors have many of their own characteristics in comparison with the general clinical picturethat occurs when the glands do not work properly.

In addition, without knowing anything about the causes of the development of the disease, it is quite difficult to take any therapeutic action to relieve symptoms.

Most often, the symptoms of adrenal tumor disease become obvious:

constantly beating heart rate;
loss of strength and muscle atrophy;
increased frequency of nighttime urge to empty the bladder;
increased sweating;
panic attacks;
fear;
dyspnea;
pulling pain in the lumbar region;
pallor of the skin;
change in appearance, acquisition of features of the opposite sex;
a feeling of aching joints, cyanosis of tissues;
convulsions and chills, persistent tremors.

Dry mouth is a result of high blood sugar levels. In the absence of any therapeutic actions aimed at combating the growing tumor, the patient may expect complications in the form of a stroke, pulmonary edema, and retinal hemorrhage.

Experts identify a number of symptoms that appear at the most early stages... This is high blood pressure, obesity, which is most typical for the female sex. Pigmentation disorders on the skin, for example, on the abdomen, are also characteristic. In addition to these not entirely significant manifestations, doctors identify a number of more serious disorders in the human body.

Cushing's syndrome is a manifestation of the enhanced action of adrenal hormones on the body. The main definition of the appearance of this disease is a tumor, or a new formation of an unknown nature. The first signs of adrenal diseases of this syndrome:

deviation of pressure from the norm, increase;
obesity, or significantly increased weight in men;
a moon-like face;
violation of the normal metabolic process of glucose;
muscle weakness, atrophy;
amenorrhea is characteristic;
osteoporosis, hirsutism;
patients excrete headache and depression;
the normal process of blood circulation is disrupted;
in men, there is a decrease in potency;
bruising is observed, which is especially visible against the background increased fragility capillaries.

The next disease is Addison's disease. There are primary and secondary insufficiency. In the first case, destruction of adrenal tissue is observed. This form of the disease is not common, no matter how old the person is. The form begins gradually, develops over time.

In another variant, brain diseases are observed in which the pituitary gland is involved. Perhaps the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the glands. The symptoms that are observed in the previous illness are characteristic of this form of the disease. The difference is that there are no problems with the skin.

Experts identify the main causes of this kind of disease:

dysfunction of immunity;
tuberculosis;
long-term hormonal therapy;
fungal diseases;
sarcoidosis, protein metabolism is impaired;
AIDS, operations that were performed on removal of the adrenal glands.

feeling of rapid fatigue, especially after physical exertion, or a stressful situation;
lost appetite, deteriorated immunity, persistent colds;
you notice an intolerance to ultraviolet radiation, tanning after it;
weight decreases, and sharply, nausea, vomiting is observed;
pressure drops;
depressive state, despondency;
in the female sex there is a sharp loss of hair on the pubic part, or under the armpits, which is unnatural in the usual state;
sexual activity decreases sharply.

The disorder in which there is an increased production of aldosterone is hyperaldosteronism. Specialists usually identify several main reasons for such a violation. This is a deterioration in liver function, heart failure, as well as chronic nephritis. Moreover, the insufficiency is quite dangerous, because in the future it can cause a complete disorder of the body.

There are several reasons for such unpleasant processes. Among them, there is necrosis in women who have recently given birth, as well as the presence of malignant tumors, or a long period of infections in humans.

The disease has several forms, regardless of it, the main symptoms are similar for all. These are muscle weakness, frequent migraines, unusual rapid fatigability, as well as edema, even constipation, convulsions.

Tumors. There are several forms of them. To a greater extent, they are of a benign nature, their appearance is not often observed. Scientists have not studied the question of the causes of this process. Often called heredity to blame.

With complications, hemorrhage in the retina is observed, as well as edema in the lungs, normal blood circulation in the brain is disrupted.

Often such a violation is observed in a baby after a difficult birth, possibly infectious disease... With such a diagnosis, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist with urgent hospitalization.

Adrenogenital syndrome. The main reason for this disorder lies in a genetic mutation. The 21-hydroxylase enzyme system is disrupted and disease appears. Often this disease becomes the cause of infertility in women. The sad fact is that lethal outcomes are not excluded.

In the female body, both an excess and a lack of hormones lead to disruptions in the functioning of organ systems. The first step of this kind of pathology affects a woman's ability to conceive and bear a baby. But the adrenal gland disease in women is also manifested by the following signs:

Sun intolerance, it most often manifests itself in the form of an overly strong sunburn.
Constant depression.
Painful sensations in the chest.

The monthly cycle is broken.
The breast becomes smaller, as does the uterus.
Acne appears on the face and other areas of the skin.
The clitoris grows.

Even if only a few symptoms are present, a woman should urgently visit a doctor to take necessary measures to fix the problem. That is why it is necessary to know how the adrenal gland disease manifests itself in order to associate the existing signs with the pathology of this organ.

All doctors believe that problems in the work of this organ can turn into serious complications in a woman's health. Experts most often note the following diseases of the adrenal glands in women, the symptoms of which can be observed:

Hyperaldosteronism. With this pathology, the organs synthesize too much of the hormone aldosterone.
Lack of bark.
Hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex.
Pheochromocytoma.
Androgenital syndrome combines several congenital abnormalities at once.
Tumors of the adrenal glands.
Addison's disease is much less common than other pathologies.

All these diseases have both their reasons for development and symptoms. Diseases of the adrenal glands in women will be considered in more detail below.

With this pathology, the adrenal glands cease to synthesize a sufficient amount of cortisol. The following conditions are considered the reasons:

The defeat of the endocrine glands by tuberculosis.
Violations due to exposure to chemicals.
Insufficiency of the adrenal glands.
Autoimmune processes.

How to recognize hyperaldosteronism?

Pathology is a dysfunction of the adrenal glands caused by increased production of the hormone aldosterone.

Liver disorders, as well as renal or heart failure, leading to adrenal dysfunction, could adversely affect the work of the glands and cause illness.

As well as damage to the pituitary gland and the growth of cancerous tumors, a long course of the infectious process.

The symptoms of hyperaldosteronism progress, and it becomes impossible not to notice them at some point.

Signs of this adrenal gland disease can be called:

muscle hypotonia;
migraine and headache;
cardiac arrhythmia and tachycardia;
constant feeling of weakness, fatigue even after sleep;
increased urge to use the toilet;
convulsions;
swelling of the limbs;
stool disorders.

This pathology is of primary and secondary forms. It manifests itself in the increased production of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex. Doctors isolate the following reasons development of such a state:

Liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
Chronic inflammatory processes in the kidneys.
Heart failure.
The secondary form occurs if the primary has not been completely healed.

Hyperaldosteronism manifests itself with the following symptoms:

General weakness and muscle weakness appear.
Frequent headaches.
Increased fatigue.

There are attacks of rapid heartbeat.
Too much urine is excreted per day.
The person has a constant thirst.
If a blood test is done, it shows a decrease in calcium.
Feeling of numbness in certain areas of the body.
Frequent convulsions.

As soon as symptoms characteristic of a condition such as adrenal gland disease arise, treatment in women should begin immediately. The first step is to eliminate the pathology that caused the development of the disease.

Donate blood and urine for analysis.
Get a magnetic tomography scan.
Computed tomography will also not be superfluous.
X-ray of the skull to determine the size of the pituitary gland.
Take hormonal tests.
A bone x-ray will help determine if osteoporosis is present.
A modern diagnostic method is radiation examination, which makes it possible to obtain information about the state and functioning of the adrenal glands.

We have studied in detail the diseases of the adrenal glands in women. Symptoms, diagnostics of these pathologies are discussed in the article. It remains to investigate the therapy of diseases of this organ.

Itsenko Cushing's syndrome

Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, rather, is not called an independent disease of the adrenal glands.

the development of arterial hypertension;
an increase in body weight in the "male" zones;
the acquisition of a moon-shaped face;
disruptions in glucose metabolism;
atrophy and decreased muscle tone;
lack of menstruation;
the development of osteoporosis;
cephalalgia, migraine;
impaired blood supply, fragile capillaries;
hairiness in places uncharacteristic for women (growth of a beard, mustache).

In women, male-type obesity develops.
Muscle atrophy and weakness appear.
Constant depression.
Frequent headaches.
The capillaries become brittle and bruises appear on the body.
Furunculosis.

Whatever pathology develops is very important early diagnosis diseases of the adrenal glands.

Itsenko Cushing's syndrome is a condition accompanied by hypercortisolism. Characteristic signs - Cushingoid face, improper distribution of fat deposits in the trunk area, increased skin pigmentation in the area of \u200b\u200bnatural folds, fragility of bones, hematomas.

Corticosteroma is a tumor of the cortical substance that produces large amounts of cortisol and leads to the development of Itsenko-Cushing syndrome. Clinical manifestations characteristic of this syndrome.

Connes syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronismaccompanied by arterial hypertension.

There are 6 forms, but the most important are aldosterone-producing adenoma, idiopathic hyperaldosteronism.

More often women are ill. This is a tumor or hypertrophy of the glomerular zone. There is a persistent increase in blood pressure and a decrease in the level of potassium in the blood, polyuria with low urine density, increasing muscle weakness, up to seizures, nephropathy. A decrease in potassium levels leads to a hypokalemic crisis with loss of vision. Treatment is removal of the affected adrenal gland. Adrenal tumors are treated with surgery.

Disruption of the adrenal glands due to exogenous causes. Not a single process in the body takes place without the participation of these small glands. Various factors lead to malfunction. In particular, elevated level radiation leads to exhaustion, prolonged use of medications, stressful situations, a long infectious process cause irreversible changes in the substance of the adrenal glands and a change in their function.

Inflammation of the adrenal glands due to an infectious process. Systemic diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, systemic lupus erythematosus and others cause inflammation in the adrenal glands. This leads to a deterioration in their work and a decrease in function.

The adrenal glands and their location

The adrenal glands are a paired organ. It is located in humans above the upper zone of the kidneys and is located in close proximity to their poles.

According to the structure in the adrenal glands, the outer and posterior surfaces, covered with folds, are distinguished. central part the body contains the largest one.

The adrenal glands are paired glands that regulate the production of several types of hormones that are directly involved in metabolic processes.

The development of the adrenal glands takes place in the womb. The shape of the right organ is always different from the left. The peculiarity also lies in the fact that one of them has the appearance of a triangular pyramid, the other - a lunar crescent. The location of the gates in the gland is also different. The physiology of the adrenal glands is such that on the left organ the gates are located at the base, and on the right - at the apex.

The adrenal glands normally differ in size. Usually the left gland is larger than the right. Despite its small size, this organ plays an important role in the work of the whole organism and some of its systems, in particular. This does not apply to kidney function. The name of the organ reflects only the anatomy of the location of the adrenal glands. This location also allows them to come into contact with important internal organs, not only through the blood, but also by contact.

The main functions of the paired organ

Despite the fact that the size of the adrenal glands is different in adults and children, they perform the same functions:

They are responsible for the correctness of the metabolic process.
They prevent metabolic disturbances.
They help the body to adapt to a stressful situation and quickly recover from it.
Produce hormones that are responsible for the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the heart system; regulating the level of sugar, fats and carbohydrates; protecting against the effects of toxins and allergens.

With a prolonged stay of the human body in a state of stress, the paired organ can increase in size. This physiology of the adrenal glands can cause wasting when the gland loses its ability to produce hormones. At the same time, she should be responsible for protecting the internal organs, ensuring the body's readiness to resist physical or nervous stress.

Any of the two adrenal glands in humans in the body has 2 substances: internal (cerebral) and external (cortical). They are arranged in different ways, differ in the origin and type of hormone produced.

The former are actively involved in the activity of the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus, as well as the central nervous system.

The latter are responsible for the metabolism (carbohydrate, electrolyte and fat) and the volume of sex hormones produced by the adrenal glands in men and women, and are associated with the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

The structure of the paired organ

The structure of the adrenal glands is a combination of 3 layers: capsule, cortex and medulla. A capsule is a separate layer of fat that has a protective function. The other two layers are located in close proximity to each other, but differ in the work performed. The cortical layer produces:

Cortisol
Androgen
Aldosterone

The volume of production, regardless of the mass of the adrenal glands, is about 35 mg. The cortical layer also includes 3 zones: glomerular, bundle and reticular.

The center of the gland is the medulla. It synthesizes the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine. The instruction for work comes from the spinal cord under the influence of the sympathetic nervous system.

The influence of the adrenal glands on the signs of gender

The adrenal glands in women play the role of regulating the ratio of androgens and estrogens. To be able to have offspring, men must have a certain level of the hormone estrogen, and their companion must have testosterone.

In young women, estrogens are produced in the ovaries, and when occurring age-related changes (menopause) the adrenal glands do this function. At the same time, they regulate the metabolism of cholesterol, preventing the formation of plaques in the vessels. The lack of hormones produced in women is expressed in a failure menstrual cycle, and in men, problems in the work of the adrenal glands can cause:

Weight problems
Obese
Impotence

During pregnancy, the activity of the adrenal glands is stimulated by increasing the proportion of the pituitary gland by 2 times. In women, adrenal gland diseases can be the reason for the absence of pregnancy. Only after the restoration of their functioning is it possible to conceive a child.

Adrenal hormones

The first type of hormone helps the body to resist stress. Its concentration increases with a positive mood of a person, as well as with injuries and with strong emotional experiences. This substance is responsible for the body's resistance to pain and for providing a surge of additional strength.

Norepinephrine belongs to the precursors of adrenaline. It affects the body less, takes part in the establishment of pressure indicators, and ensures the normal functioning of the heart. In the layer of the cortical substance, the hormones corticosteroids are produced:

Aldosterone
Corticosterone
Deoxycorticosterone

They preserve the body's energy reserves and are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. There is also a mesh area in the adrenal cortex. In it, the release of sex hormones, the so-called androgens, takes place. They are responsible for:

Fat and cholesterol levels in the blood
Thickness of lipid deposits
Muscle growth
Sex drive

This is what a person needs the adrenal glands for. They produce hormones for the body, without which its normal functioning is impossible. A pair of these organs is necessary to ensure the correct hormonal balance. Excess or insufficient content of the hormone level becomes the cause of disruption in the functioning of many internal systems.

Symptoms of the paired organ disease

Hormonal imbalance is one of the first symptoms of a malfunctioning body. This is how the signs of adrenal disease manifest themselves. The manifestation of symptoms depends on the production of which hormone is disrupted. Lack of aldosterone increases the amount of sodium in the urine, potassium in the blood, and lowers blood pressure.

Cortisol production may be interrupted. Then you should expect adrenal insufficiency, as a result of which the heart rate increases, pressure decreases and dysfunction of some internal organs appears.

If the adrenal glands in children, especially with the intrauterine growth of boys, do not produce enough androgens, then abnormalities in the structure of the genitals and urethra occur - pseudohermaphrodism. In girls, there is a delay in sexual development, which manifests itself in the absence critical days... Symptoms of paired organ pathology include:

Increased fatigue
Sleep problems
Irritability
Muscle weakness
Severe weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Increased pigmentation of exposed areas on the body

Insufficiency of the adrenal cortex

As a rule, this pathology is accompanied by other painful conditions in the body. The reason for this is believed:

The defeat of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
Necrosis of the pituitary gland.
Tumors.
Infectious diseases.

Insufficiency of the cortex is manifested by the following symptoms:

Asthenia develops.
The patient feels a sharp breakdown.
Body weight begins to drop sharply.
Appetite disappears.
Nausea and vomiting.
Age spots appear on the skin.
There is a decrease in blood pressure, which does not respond to drug therapy.
Stool disorders.
Profuse flow of urine at night.
The level of glucose in the blood decreases.

If adrenal gland disease clearly manifests its symptoms, treatment is prescribed in the form of taking glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.

Usually, this pathology is congenital, it is accompanied by a clear violation of the production of cortisol. Experts call this cause of the painful condition: a genetic mutation. Anything can provoke her.

This pathology manifests itself as follows:

Severe hyperpigmentation of the external genital organs appears.
Virilization.
Armpit and pubic hair begins to grow too early.
Acne on the skin.
Girls have a late onset of menstruation.

With such a pathology, early diagnosis is important so that it is possible to take appropriate measures for the normal functioning of the body.

Diagnostic procedures

The manifestation of symptoms in adrenal dysfunction can often be observed when the pathology has long passed the initial stage of its development.

So, in order to diagnose a disease, a whole range of research procedures will be needed. The attending physician is responsible for the diagnosis.

As a rule, to make the correct diagnosis, the patient will have to:

To be examined for hormones in order to identify which substances in the blood prevail and which ones are lacking;
Undergo an ultrasound screening of the kidneys and adrenal glands, which is able to detect the presence of neoplasms;
To recognize their nature, the patient may be prescribed an MRI or CT scan.

The obtained results of the study allow the doctor to get a detailed picture of the disease and make attempts to find out the causes of the disease.

If violations have occurred in other systems of the body, the treatment is compiled taking into account this factor. Conservative therapy or surgery is performed in accordance with the symptoms of adrenal disease.

How adrenal tumors manifest themselves

Most often, tumors of this organ are of a benign nature. The exact reasons have not yet been established, but for a hormonally active tumor, which is also called pheochromocytoma, the following provoking factors are called:

Oncology of the thyroid gland.
Systemic pathologies with congenital anomaly vessels of the brain, skin, membranes of the eyes.
Excessive synthesis of hormones by the parathyroid glands.

With such a pathology, the following symptoms of adrenal gland disease in women can be observed (the photo shows one of them):

High blood pressure.
Heart rhythm is disturbed.
Muscle weakness appears.
Frequent urge to use the toilet at night.
Nausea and vomiting become frequent human companions.
Increased sweating.
Convulsions.
The patient's appearance deteriorates.
Constant shivering and chills.
Dry mouth.

Depending on the symptoms of adrenal diseases in women, therapy is also prescribed.

Treatment and prevention

To restore the patient's health, the actions of specialists are primarily aimed at eliminating the main provoking cause of the pathology, establishing the normal functionality of the glands, and then establishing a normal background of hormones.

On initial stages the development of adrenal diseases, glandular insufficiency and mild symptoms, doctors prescribe medications.

If, for a certain period of time, drug treatment does not give any results, patients are shown surgery, which, as a rule, consists in removing one or both diseased glands.

With any of the diseases of the adrenal glands, the doctor and the patient have only two ways out: to intervene in the cavity with the help of an endoscope or to carry out a more traumatic operation involving a deep tissue incision.

Long-term healing will be a consequence of cavity penetration.

The laparoscopic procedure is less invasive and allows for early rehabilitation.

When treatment is started on time, the prognosis for recovery is favorable. Disruptions caused by other disorders in the patient's body can complicate the healing process.

Speaking about the prevention of diseases caused by adrenal insufficiency, avoiding the manifestation of symptoms, it should be understood that in better ways prevention of the disease will be the following measures:

avoiding stressful situations, worries and experiences;
adherence to the basics healthy way life;
passing a periodic comprehensive examination;
contacting specialists at the first suspicion, without experiments and self-medication.

Only high-quality therapy will put an end to diseases of the adrenal glands and will prevent the onset of consequences that are dangerous to the health and life of the patient.

Drug treatment of adrenal diseases

Operations are performed endoscopically or abdominal. Abdominal surgery consists of surgical intervention, which requires a long period of rehabilitation. Endoscopic surgery is a more gentle procedure that allows patients to quickly recover from surgery. The prognosis after treatment of adrenal diseases in most cases is favorable. Only in rare cases, when other diseases are present in the patient's history, complications may appear.

Prevention of adrenal diseases

Pathologies of the adrenal glands are easier to treat at the initial stages of their development, therefore, at the first symptoms or prolonged ailments, you should not self-medicate or ignore the first signs. Only timely and high-quality treatment will bring success in treatment.

Treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist after analyzing the examination results. A therapy plan is drawn up depending on the disease.

Treatment methods:

Conservative;
Hormone replacement therapy;
Surgery.

Conservative treatment is prescribed as symptomatic for the relief of symptoms of increased blood pressure, relief of autonomic dysfunctions. To strengthen the body, vitamins, restorative drugs are prescribed.

Hormone replacement therapy is used when hormone production is insufficient. Treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist under strict control of hormone levels.

With tumor processes, treatment is prescribed depending on histological examination for tumor verification. The most commonly used radical surgery to remove the tumor. If the tumor is inoperable, then special chemotherapy regimens are used.

Tired Adrenal Syndrome Treatment

How to make tired adrenal glands work? A decrease in mental and physical activity, healthy food. Eliminate caffeine, sugar and sweeteners, hydrogenated oils. Good nutrition, positive thinking, spa treatment. Vitamin therapy is used to stimulate processes in the body, fortifying drugs, herbal medicine.

Prevention includes:

A special diet rich in vitamins, calories, proteins;
Decrease in physical and psycho-emotional stress;
Rejection of bad habits;
Regular examination for suspected pathology.

The correct functioning of this organ is an important component of the functioning of the whole organism, therefore, each person should regularly check their condition. A pathology detected in time is much easier and faster to cure than an actively progressive disease.

The adrenal glands (adrenal, adrenal glands) are paired endocrine glands located above the kidneys.

The structure and function of the adrenal glands

In the structure of the glands, the outer cortical substance and the inner medullary are distinguished. They have different origins, but in the process historical development merged into one body. The adrenal glands have different shapes - the right triangular, and the left crescent. Outside, the glands are covered with a capsule that sprouts inward.

The cortical substance predominates, and is about 9/10 of the mass of the glands. It consists of cells that secrete corticosteroid and sex hormones. The cells are located relative to the blood capillaries so that the secretion immediately enters the bloodstream. In the adrenal cortex, three zones are distinguished, differing in cellular composition:

Glomerular (produces aldosterone);
Bundle (produces cortisol, corticosterone);
Mesh (synthesizes androgens).

The role of corticosteroid hormones in the body is difficult to overestimate. They are involved in key points in the regulation of metabolism (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water and salts), energy, in the body's immune defense, regulation of vascular tone, adaptation to stress.

The medulla in the center of the adrenal gland is not sharply demarcated from the cortical, and consists of chromaffin cells, as well as many nerve fibers and cells. Secretory chromaffin cells synthesize adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine. In terms of chemical structure, they belong to the group of catecholamines, and are initially formed from the amino acid tyrosine. The release of catecholamines into the blood is stimulated by various stimuli - emotions, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, physical work, etc.

Adrenaline increases blood glucose levels due to the breakdown of glycogen, enhances the breakdown of fats with the release of energy, increases blood pressure, increases the frequency and strength of heart contractions, relaxes smooth muscles in the walls of the bronchi, and enhances the formation of heat in the body.

Norepinephrine, the precursor of adrenaline, has slightly different effects - it slows down heart contractions, dilates the arteries that supply the heart with blood, and increases diastolic pressure.

Study of adrenal function

It is impossible to feel the adrenal glands during palpation. Ultrasound procedure allows you to visualize and size them.

Their function is studied by examining the level of hormones and their metabolites in the blood. So, in order to assess the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal glands, the level of 11-oxycorticosteroids is determined in the blood, and free cortisol in the urine.

Functional tests assess the response of the adrenal glands to external stimulation. Most often, a test with dexamethasone is used, which helps to differentiate an adrenal tumor from hyperplasia associated with excessive synthesis of ACTH in the pituitary gland. A test with ACTH reveals functional adrenal insufficiency, but due to potential danger for health, such tests should be carried out in a hospital.

The mineralocorticoid function of the adrenal glands and the formation of the hormone aldosterone can be assessed by the content of potassium and sodium ions in the blood serum. With adrenal insufficiency, the sodium content is significantly reduced, and potassium is increased, with excessive formation of aldosterone, potassium, on the contrary, will be less, and sodium more.

X-ray methods for examining the adrenal glands - computed and magnetic resonance imaging, angiography. They allow you to identify adrenal tumors, to assess the size and structure of the glands.

Diseases and approaches to treatment of the adrenal glands

All adrenal diseases can be divided into two large groups - one of them is manifested by excessive function of the adrenal glands, and the second, on the contrary, is reduced.

A decrease in the work of the glands occurs when the adrenal glands are removed, they are damaged by tuberculosis, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, with hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, or with a decrease in the formation of ACTH in the pituitary gland. Treatment of the adrenal glands in this case requires replacement therapy with those hormones, the lack of which has formed, as well as elimination of the cause of hypofunction.

Excessive production of hormones occurs with hyperplasia from excessive stimulation of ACTH (for example, with a pituitary tumor) or with an adrenal tumor. Tumors from the cortical substance - corticosteromas - are often mixed, with them there is an excessive formation of all hormones of the adrenal cortex. If a tumor originates from cells that form androgens, it is called an androsteroma. Its manifestation will be the viril syndrome. If cells that form aldosterone have undergone tumor transformation, then an aldosteroma is formed, and its manifestation will be pronounced disturbances in the exchange of water and salts.

In Itsenko-Cushing's disease, the sensitivity of the hypothalamus to the inhibitory effect of cortisol is impaired, as a result of which the adrenal glands produce it intensively and hypertrophy. In such patients, carbohydrate metabolism is disturbed, and sexual function is reduced. The appearance is characteristic - fat deposits in the abdomen, trunk and neck, red-purple stretch marks on the skin - striae, moon-shaped face, excessive hair growth. Treatment for Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome consists of removing the adrenal glands and lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

With benign degeneration of the cells of the adrenal medulla, the course of the tumor is asymptomatic, and it often becomes an accidental finding during examination. Malignant hormone-active tumors are manifested by symptoms of hormone overproduction, hormone-inactive tumors are accompanied by general intoxication and an increase in the abdomen.

Treatment of the adrenal glands with tumor lesions is surgical, with malignant tumors must be accompanied by chemotherapy. After removal of the adrenal glands, lifelong hormone replacement therapy is required.

In children, there are congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, Itsenko-Cushing's disease, hypoaldosteronism, chromaffinoma, Addison's disease. Quite often, they have hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, for example, with severe birth trauma, serious infections (meningococcal meningitis, etc.).

Structure

Main functions

Adrenal hormones

Aldosterone

Catecholamines

Diseases of the adrenal glands

Treatment

Conclusion

The structure of the adrenal glands

Adrenal development

Adrenal vessels and nerves

Age features of the adrenal glands

Functions and structure of the adrenal glands

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal medulla

Adrenal glands: hormones and functions in the body

Functions of the adrenal glands in women and men

Disruption of the adrenal glands

Diseases in violation of the adrenal cortex

Disorder of the adrenal medulla

Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal diseases

What hormones are produced by the adrenal glands

Adrenal classification

Diseases of the adrenal glands

Addison's disease

Itsenko-Cushing's disease

Aldosteroma: causes, symptoms

Diseases of the adrenal glands in men

Adrenal hormones

Glucocorticoids

Mineralocorticoids

Androgens

Catecholamines

The structure of the adrenal glands

Adrenal cortex

Influence of the adrenal glands on sexual characteristics

Adrenal Gland Disease Symptoms

How to recognize hyperaldosteronism?

Itsenko Cushing's syndrome

The adrenal glands and their location

The main functions of the paired organ

The structure of the paired organ

The influence of the adrenal glands on the signs of gender

Adrenal hormones

Symptoms of the paired organ disease

Insufficiency of the adrenal cortex

Diagnostic procedures

How adrenal tumors manifest themselves

Treatment and prevention

Tired Adrenal Syndrome Treatment

The structure and function of the adrenal glands

Study of adrenal function

Diseases and approaches to treatment of the adrenal glands

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