Adrenal Disorder Specialist
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Utah Endocrinology Associates: Comprehensive Care for Adrenal Disorders
Located in Salt Lake City, American Fork, and South Ogden, UT
Adrenal disorders can manifest with general symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and muscle weakness, making them difficult to identify. A thorough evaluation by Alireza Falahati, MD, FACE, at Utah Endocrinology Associates can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and initiate a treatment plan to restore your health and well-being. To learn more about adrenal disorders and our compassionate care approach, call one of our offices in Salt Lake City, American Fork, or South Ogden, Utah, or book an appointment online.
Adrenal Disorder Q & A: Understanding and Treating Your Condition
What hormones do the adrenal glands produce?
The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, produce a variety of hormones, including:
Cortisol: Regulates metabolism, fights inflammation, and provides energy during stress.
Aldosterone: Helps control blood pressure by instructing the kidneys to conserve sodium and retain water.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenalin (norepinephrine): Prepare the body for stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood sugar levels.
Androgens: The adrenal glands produce testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which can be converted into testosterone and estradiol.
What causes adrenal disorders?
Adrenal disorders may develop due to issues within the adrenal glands themselves, such as disease, inflammation, tumors, or genetic mutations. Adrenal disorders can also arise from problems with the pituitary gland, which releases hormones that regulate adrenal gland activity. Consequently, a pituitary disorder may significantly impact adrenal hormone levels.
What are the different types of adrenal disorders?
Common adrenal disorders include:
Cushing syndrome: Characterized by consistently high cortisol levels, which may result from chronic stress or a cortisol-producing tumor. Symptoms include stretch marks, slow-healing cuts, bruising, weight gain, muscle weakness, and fatty deposits in the midsection, face, and upper back.
Hyperaldosteronism: Occurs when the adrenal glands release excessive aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness.
Adrenal tumor: Usually benign (noncancerous), but some tumors may produce hormones, causing unusually high hormone levels.
Addison's disease: Also known as adrenal insufficiency, this condition develops when the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, and skin discoloration.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): A group of genetic disorders causing shorter-than-average height, early puberty, acne, irregular menstrual periods, and excess facial hair in women.
How are adrenal disorders treated?
Dr. Falahati and colleagues create customized treatment plans for each patient based on the underlying condition and the specific hormones affected. Your treatment may include medications to increase or decrease hormone levels or surgery to remove a tumor.
If you're experiencing symptoms of an adrenal disorder, contact Utah Endocrinology Associates by calling one of our offices or scheduling an appointment online. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you regain your health and wellness.
