The adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney, are small but powerful organs that play a crucial role in maintaining your body’s balance. They produce vital hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and stress reactions. When these glands function abnormally, it can lead to a range of health problems—some subtle, others life-threatening.
At Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, we are passionate about helping patients in Pinellas Park and the surrounding areas navigate the complexities of adrenal disorders. Our team of board-certified endocrinologists, experienced clinicians, and dedicated support staff is committed to providing expert care that is tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis, are seeking a second opinion, or are exploring treatment options, this guide will help you understand adrenal disorders, the diagnostic process, and the path forward.
Understanding the Adrenal Glands: A Quick Overview
Before diving into specific disorders, let’s take a moment to understand the adrenal glands’ function. Each adrenal gland has two main parts:
- The Cortex (Outer Layer): Produces hormones like cortisol (for metabolism and stress response), aldosterone (for salt and water balance), and androgens (precursors to sex hormones).
- The Medulla (Inner Layer): Produces catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline, responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response.
When the adrenal glands malfunction—either by producing too much or too little of these hormones—it can lead to significant health issues. These disorders often go undiagnosed for years, as symptoms can mimic other conditions.
Common Adrenal Disorders We Treat
At Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, we diagnose and manage a wide range of adrenal conditions. Here are some of the most common:
Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol (and sometimes aldosterone). This can happen due to autoimmune damage, infections, or after long-term steroid use. Symptoms often include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Low blood pressure (sometimes leading to dizziness or fainting)
- Salt cravings
- Darkening of the skin (especially in skin folds and scars)
If left untreated, adrenal insufficiency can lead to an adrenal crisis—a life-threatening condition requiring emergency care. We manage this disorder with hormone replacement therapy (usually hydrocortisone or fludrocortisone) and provide detailed education on stress dosing and emergency precautions.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol production. This can occur from:
- A tumor in the pituitary gland (Cushing’s disease)
- An adrenal tumor producing excess cortisol
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
Common symptoms include:
- Weight gain (especially in the face, abdomen, and upper back)
- Purple stretch marks (striae)
- Thin, fragile skin that bruises easily
- High blood pressure and high blood sugar
- Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
Diagnosis involves 24-hour urine cortisol tests, late-night salivary cortisol tests, and imaging studies (MRI/CT). Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor or medication to block cortisol production.
Primary Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)
This condition results from an overproduction of aldosterone, leading to:
- High blood pressure that’s hard to control
- Low potassium levels (causing muscle weakness, cramps, or palpitations)
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Many people with primary aldosteronism are misdiagnosed with essential hypertension. At our center, we use specialized tests—like aldosterone-to-renin ratio and adrenal vein sampling—to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (like spironolactone) or surgery to remove the affected adrenal gland.
Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
These rare tumors arise from adrenal medulla cells (pheochromocytoma) or extra-adrenal tissue (paraganglioma) and secrete excess catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline). Classic symptoms include:
- Sudden episodes of severe high blood pressure
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat and palpitations
- Anxiety or panic attacks
Because pheochromocytoma can lead to dangerous cardiovascular complications, early diagnosis is critical. We use plasma metanephrine tests, urinary catecholamines, and advanced imaging to pinpoint the tumor. Surgery is the primary treatment, but careful preoperative preparation is essential to stabilize blood pressure.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
CAH is an inherited disorder affecting cortisol (and sometimes aldosterone) production. It can present in newborns as ambiguous genitalia, or in older children/adults as:
- Rapid growth and early puberty
- Acne and excess body hair
- Irregular menstrual cycles in females
Treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy and, in some cases, surgery for genital anomalies. Our team works closely with families to provide genetic counseling, ongoing monitoring, and support.
How We Diagnose Adrenal Disorders: A Step-by-Step Approach
At Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, we believe in precision diagnostics—taking the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and test results before creating a tailored plan.
Here’s how we approach adrenal disorder evaluation:
- Detailed Medical History and Symptom Review: We listen carefully to your story, noting subtle signs that may point to adrenal issues.
- Comprehensive Lab Testing: Blood, urine, and salivary tests are performed to measure hormone levels at specific times (since hormone secretion follows natural rhythms).
- Imaging Studies: If needed, we order CT scans, MRIs, or specialized nuclear scans to visualize adrenal structures.
- Specialized Dynamic Testing: For complex cases, we may perform tests like the ACTH stimulation test, dexamethasone suppression test, or saline infusion test.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: If surgery is needed, we work closely with experienced surgeons, radiologists, and anesthesiologists to ensure optimal outcomes.
Treatment and Long-Term Care: Your Journey with Us
Adrenal disorders often require lifelong management. That’s why we offer comprehensive support every step of the way:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Whether you need medication adjustments, surgery, or lifestyle modifications, we customize care to your unique needs.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits help us track your progress, adjust treatments, and screen for complications.
- Emergency Preparedness: For conditions like adrenal insufficiency, we educate you on recognizing warning signs and provide emergency steroid kits.
- Patient Education: We empower you to understand your condition, ask questions, and make informed decisions.
- Supportive Environment: Our compassionate team is here to guide you through the challenges—whether it’s managing medication side effects, navigating insurance issues, or handling the emotional impact of chronic illness.
Why Choose Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center?
Our center stands out in Pinellas Park and the greater Tampa Bay area for several reasons:
Expertise: Board-certified endocrinologists with extensive experience in adrenal disorders
Advanced Diagnostics: Access to cutting-edge lab tests and imaging
Collaborative Care: Seamless coordination with surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists
Patient-Centered Approach: We listen, we care, and we tailor treatments to your life
Convenient Location: Our Pinellas Park office is easily accessible, with flexible scheduling to fit your needs
We are honored to serve as your partners in health and are dedicated to helping you thrive despite adrenal challenges.
Your Next Steps: Getting Started with Us
If you suspect an adrenal disorder or have been diagnosed and are seeking expert care, we’re here to help. To schedule an appointment, call our Pinellas Park office at (727) 216-8025 or visit our website to request a consultation.
For your first visit, please bring:
- Completed new patient forms (available on our website)
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A list of current medications
- Any relevant lab results, imaging reports, or medical records
We look forward to welcoming you into our patient family and supporting you on your journey to better health.
Final Thoughts: Empowering You Through Knowledge and Care
Adrenal disorders can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Florida Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care that puts you in control of your health.
Your adrenal health matters—and we’re here to ensure you get the care you deserve. Together, we can create a plan that not only manages your condition but helps you live your best, healthiest life.
Let’s navigate this journey together—step by step, with knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to your well-being.