Medical Professionals Corporate Health Solutions Clinical Research
Insurance Partners
EN AR
Book an Appointment
EN AR

Adrenal Disorders

Overview

What Are Adrenal Disorders?

Adrenal disorders are conditions that affect the adrenal glands. These are the two small, triangular-shaped glands sitting just above each kidney. These glands are powerful, despite their size, producing hormones like cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline that manage stress, regulate blood pressure, control metabolism and maintain the body's salt and water balance. The body's delicate internal environment loses balance when these glands produce either too much or too little hormone.

There is a broad list of potential triggers for adrenal gland problems. Things that can all disrupt normal adrenal function include tumours, inherited genetic issues, infections, problems with the pituitary gland, which acts as the master control centre for the adrenal. Medications taken for other conditions can also disrupt normal adrenal function. Some adrenal issues develop slowly over months. Others can present suddenly with quite dramatic symptoms. Symptoms often overlap with other common conditions which is why getting an accurate diagnosis from an endocrinology specialist is essential.

Types of Adrenal Disorders

Adrenal disorders generally fall into two categories. First, where too much hormone is produced and second, where too little is produced. Cushing's syndrome occurs on the overproduction side. The body is flooded with excess cortisol, leading to rapid weight gain, thinning skin that bruises easily, purple stretch marks and muscle weakness. Hyperaldosteronism involves too much aldosterone. This drives blood pressure up and can cause fatigue, muscle weakness and low potassium levels. A phaeochromocytoma is a usually benign tumour that releases excessive adrenaline-like hormones. This triggers alarming episodes of sweating, palpitations, headaches and panic attacks.

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) is the classic example on the underproduction side. The adrenals simply cannot produce enough cortisol and often aldosterone too. Patients experience profound fatigue, unintentional weight loss, low blood pressure, muscle weakness and sometimes a darkening of the skin in unusual places like skin creases or inside the cheek. There's also a group of non-functioning adrenal tumours known as adenomas. These are benign growths that don't produce excess hormones and are often discovered by accident during scans for unrelated issues. Many never need treatment at all.

Seeking help for a possible adrenal problem can be tricky because the symptoms are often vague. There are clear signals that should prompt a visit to an endocrinologist, however. A common red flag is unexplained and persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. Unintentional weight loss or, conversely, rapid weight gain concentrated around the abdomen and face are also indicators.

High blood pressure that resists standard treatment and that requires three or more medications to keep under control, should always raise suspicion of an adrenal cause. Episodes of sudden, intense headaches, heart palpitations, sweating and a feeling of doom are another reason to get checked, as these could point to a phaeochromocytoma.

Signals of long-standing cortisol excess include muscle weakness, bone pain or a history of unusual fractures for someone's age. Anyone who has required long-term steroid medication for asthma, arthritis or other conditions is also at higher risk for adrenal suppression and should have their adrenal function monitored.

A step-by-step process that relies on careful testing is what's required to get to the bottom of an adrenal problem. It always begins with a thorough conversation about symptoms, medical history and any medications being taken. After that, a physical examination looks for tell-tale signs like purple stretch marks, thinning skin or changes in skin pigmentation.

Blood and urine tests provide more accurate answers. Specialists will measure cortisol levels at specific times of day. This is often done using a dexamethasone suppression test to see if the adrenal glands respond properly. For suspected hyperaldosteronism, aldosterone and renin levels are checked. Blood or urine is tested in phaeochromocytoma, for metanephrines which are breakdown products of adrenaline. Imaging plays a crucial role. A CT or MRI scan of the abdomen can help with investigations. They can identify tumours, measure their size and determine whether they look suspicious.

A procedure called adrenal vein sampling may be done in some complex cases, to pinpoint exactly where excess hormones are coming from. A careful, methodical approach like this ensures patients aren't treated for the wrong condition.

  • Addison's disease
  • Secondary adrenal insufficiency
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Hyperaldosteronism
  • Phaeochromocytoma
  • Non-functioning adrenal adenomas
  • Adrenal incidentalomas
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Treatment for adrenal disorders at NMC is highly individualised across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain. One patient's plan will look completely different from another's. For adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease, the answer is hormone replacement – usually oral corticosteroids like hydrocortisone or prednisone and sometimes fludrocortisone to replace aldosterone. Patients are also taught sick-day rules. This involves temporarily increasing their medication during illness or injury to prevent a dangerous adrenal crisis.

The approach shifts for overproduction syndromes. A benign tumour causing Cushing's or aldosterone excess can often be removed surgically. This is sometimes done using minimally invasive techniques that mean smaller scars and faster recovery. Surgery is also the mainstay for phaeochromocytoma. Patients however, must be stabilised beforehand with medications to block the effects of excess adrenaline and prevent dangerous blood pressure spikes during the procedure.

Medications can help control hormone overproduction when surgery isn't suitable or tumours are cancerous. This is done alongside other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. We also focus heavily on patient education at NMC. Anyone on long-term steroids receives a medical alert card explaining their condition. This is done as an unrecognised adrenal crisis can be life-threatening.

Our endocrinology consultants, with years of specialist training from leading international centres, understand adrenal disorders inside and out. They look out for subtle early signs of insufficiency and manage the complex surgical planning required for adrenal tumours. Our team provides a joined approach, working alongside endocrine surgeons, radiologists and specialist nurses.

Adrenal symptoms can be frightening, embarrassing or easily dismissed by others. Our consultants take time to understand each patient's story. They explain test results clearly and map out a treatment pathway that fits real life, not just textbooks. The NMC network offers expert, compassionate care close to home for anyone searching for an adrenal disorder specialist across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.

FAQs

Find the Answer to Your Medical Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Non-functioning adenomas that are small, that means typically under 4cm and stable over time can often be safely monitored with repeat scans. Functioning tumours – those actually producing excess hormones – usually do require surgery regardless of their size.
With current treatments, no. People with Addison’s disease live normal, active lives with proper hormone replacement. The key is lifelong medication alongside knowing how to adjust doses during illness.
Untreated adrenal insufficiency can progress to an adrenal crisis. This is a medical emergency with severe vomiting, dangerously low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Untreated Cushing’s syndrome can lead to worsening diabetes, high blood pressure, bone fractures and serious infections. Early diagnosis is always better.
Location

NMC Footprints

0 Results found

Loading......

© Copyright 2026 NMC Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. MOH License No - 7I37GBU0

Terms of Use Privacy Statement

Hospital Details

Booking Details

By Proceeding you agree Terms & Conditions