Adrenal Health

Your adrenal glands are two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys. They produce hormones that help regulate stress response, blood pressure, electrolytes, metabolism, and energy—including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline-related hormones (epinephrine/norepinephrine).

Adrenal disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, which may vary by condition. Common signs include high or low blood pressure, high blood sugar, mood changes, muscle weakness, headaches, bone weakness, and weight gain (often in the face and upper body). If symptoms are unexplained or persistent, evaluation can help determine whether hormones are involved.

Some of the most common adrenal conditions include: Adrenal incidentaloma (an adrenal mass found on imaging); Addison's disease (low cortisol); Cushing's syndrome/disease (high cortisol); Primary aldosteronism / Conn's syndrome (high aldosterone); Pheochromocytoma (a tumor that can raise adrenaline-related hormones); Adrenal cancer (less common).

Diagnosis often starts with a detailed history, physical exam, and hormone testing (blood and/or urine tests). Depending on symptoms and results, imaging such as a CT scan or MRI may be used—especially if an adrenal mass or tumor is suspected. The goal is to confirm whether hormone levels are too high or too low and identify the cause.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include medications to balance hormone levels or manage symptoms. If a tumor or cancer is found, treatment may involve surgery and coordinated specialty care. Your endocrinology provider will tailor a plan based on your labs, imaging, and long-term health goals.

You should consider seeing an endocrinologist if you have persistent symptoms like unexplained blood pressure changes, blood sugar changes, unusual weight gain, weakness, or if an adrenal mass is found on imaging. North Georgia Endocrinology can evaluate adrenal hormone function and guide diagnosis and treatment options based on your results.