They tend to be more common in older adults and people who are obese, as well as in those who have diabetes or high blood pressure. It's not clear what causes adrenal adenomas to form.

Each adrenal gland has two parts: the outer cortexĪnd the inner medulla. The endocrine system, adrenal glands produce hormones that contribute to sexualĭevelopment, and regulate metabolism, blood pressure, stress and otherĮssential bodily functions. Your body has two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. When adrenal adenomas are discovered, however, a thorough evaluation of their appearance and hormone production is necessary to confirm that the adenomas are not cancerous and they won't lead to other health problems. They are common, and they usually don't pose a health threat or require treatment. Although I am overweight, I'm in generally good health otherwise.ĪNSWER: Adrenal adenomas are one of several types of nodules that develop on the adrenal glands. What causes this? Should I be concerned? I am a 74-year-old woman.

Losing too much fluid or not taking in enough fluid (called dehydration).DEAR MAYO CLINIC: On a scan of my abdomen, an adenoma was found incidentally on one of my adrenal glands.

It can be caused by severe infection or stress. Some people may need urgent care because they have what is called an adrenal crisis.

If possible, your doctor will treat the condition that damaged the pituitary gland. Hormones may be pills or injections (shots). Some people will take hormones at home for the rest of their lives. You might get some of these hormones in the hospital. Treatment involves replacing the hormones that your body needs. This can happen if the pituitary gland is damaged by things like a tumour or surgery. When the pituitary gland doesn't make enough ACTH, the adrenal glands won't make enough cortisol. The signal is a hormone that the pituitary gland makes, called ACTH. Normally it sends a signal to the adrenal glands to make more cortisol. The problem starts with the pituitary gland. It helps break down sugar and fat for energy. Secondary adrenal insufficiency means that your adrenal glands don't make enough of a hormone called cortisol. They make hormones that affect almost every organ in your body. Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys.

Low adrenal gland hormones