Women's health status largely depends on the level of hormones and the functionality of the organs responsible for their production. Timely detected symptoms of adrenal gland disease in women are an opportunity to stop the development of severe forms of diseases. And not only.
Thanks to the normal hormonal background, a woman maintains a psychological and emotional balance and the potential for procreation.
Material Content:
Common symptoms of impaired adrenal function in women
The adrenal glands are paired glands of endocrine endocrine system located in the upper part of the kidneys. The structure of the adrenal glands is represented by two types of tissues - cortical and brain substances, the physiological properties of which are controlled and coordinated by the nervous system.
The brain substance is responsible for the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine, the cortical substance is responsible for the production of corticosteroids, aldosterone and androgen sex hormones. In addition, the adrenal glands are actively involved in the metabolic processes of the body.
Impaired adrenal function is the reason for the development of many pathologies that reduce the quality of a woman’s health and life.
In most cases, diseases of the adrenal glands in women are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- intensive weight gain;
- increase in blood pressure;
- the appearance of hair in the face;
- change in muscle shape according to the male type;
- menstrual irregularities;
- excessive skin pigmentation;
- digestive and gastrointestinal problems.
Characteristics of the manifestations of adrenal dysfunction depend on the type of pathological lesion.
Excessive production of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), coordinating the functionality of the endocrine glands, occurs with the development of Itsenko-Cushing's disease. Whereas an ACTH deficiency is a sign of renal failure.
Excess production of hormones by the adrenal glands may indicate malignant processes in their tissues. The lack of production of hormones by the adrenal glands is one of the characteristic manifestations of adrenal insufficiency.
Types of adrenal disease and their symptoms
All types of pathological processes that occur in the adrenal glands are divided into groups:
- hyperproduction of hormones (excess production);
- hypoproduction of hormones (lack of production);
- adrenogenital syndrome - an increase in the number of hormones of one species against a background of a decrease in the volumes of other species;
- pathologies associated with tumor processes.
Hyperproduction of hormones produced by the adrenal glands is observed with the development of Cushing's syndrome, Conn's syndrome, pheochromocytoma. Hypoproduction of hormones indicates a primary, secondary or acute pathological lesion of the adrenal gland.
Hyperaldosteronism
Primary hyperaldosteronism is a clinical pathology that develops against the background of excessive aldosterone production by the adrenal cortex. The disease is also known as Conn's syndrome, by the name of the doctor who first described its symptoms and pathogenesis.
Aldosterone is a hormone of the mineralocorticosteroid type. The production and secretion of aldosterone is stimulated by the adrenocorticotropic hormone that produces the pituitary gland.
Excess aldosterone is manifested by a deterioration in the general well-being of a woman:
- pain in the forehead;
- increase in blood pressure;
- decreased heart rate;
- fatigue, weakness;
- frequent urination at night;
- visual impairment;
- muscle pain, cramps.
A characteristic feature of Conn's syndrome is a pathological change in the pH level of urine, which provokes the development of chronic pyelonephritis.
Hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenism syndrome in women is expressed in increased activity of male androgen hormones and is accompanied by a gradual change in secondary sexual characteristics. An excess of androgens leads to a violation of metabolic processes and the menstrual cycle, and also affects the woman's ability to reproduce.
An increase in the production of androgens by the adrenal glands is indicated by:
- excessive hairiness of the face and limbs;
- oily seborrhea;
- blackheads;
- Android type obesity
- intense hair loss, baldness;
- decrease in voice timbre;
- muscle growth;
- structural transformation of the ovaries.
The development of pathology during puberty leads to underdevelopment of the mammary glands and the appearance of pathologies in the follicular structures. Attempts to get pregnant usually end in miscarriages.
Adrenal cortex insufficiency
In official medicine, adrenal insufficiency is classified as hypocorticism. The use of this term is appropriate for any pathological changes resulting from hypofunction of the adrenal cortex.
An acute form of adrenal insufficiency occurs due to a sharp cessation or decrease in the secretion of hormones produced by the cortical substance. The main symptoms are pallor of the skin, confusion, general lethargy, migraine, the appearance of seizures, low muscle tone, bluish tint of the lips, impaired urination, gastrointestinal dysfunction.
The chronic form of hypocorticism is the result of autoimmune damage and destruction of the adrenal glands.
The development of chronic adrenal insufficiency is characterized by a profound effect on the endocrine glands and is accompanied by an increase in the following symptoms:
- nervousness, aggressiveness;
- weakness, asthenia;
- termination of hair growth on the body;
- decreased libido;
- sweating
- impaired appetite and weight loss;
- impaired memory and mental capacity.
Adrenal insufficiency causes intense pigmentation, affecting not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes.
Addison's Disease
The primary form of adrenal insufficiency develops, due to the destruction of the tissues of the substance that produces steroid hormones, and is called Addison's disease. The main causes of the appearance of pathology are tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV, as well as impaired immune system functions, the etiology of which has not yet been elucidated.
The first manifestation of the pathology is gradually increasing muscle weakness, fatigue, frequent colds and. Hyperpigmentation of the epidermis is considered the most pronounced sign of Addison's disease - as a result of tanning, dark spots of brown or bronze color appear on the skin and mucous membranes.
Addison's disease can develop over the years and manifest itself in an acute form at a time when the female body needs glucocorticoids to suppress the effects of any stress or shock.
Adrenal Tumors
The development of tumor formations in the adrenal glands is the result of inflammatory processes and pathological proliferation of all structural tissues of the organ. Neoplasms can be benign or malignant and provoke the appearance of symptoms characteristic of a number of other diseases of the endocrine glands.
The main types of tumors affecting the adrenal glands include the following types:
- corticosteroma - a complex of pathological changes, united under the name Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome;
- androsteroma;
- corticoestroma;
- aldosteroma;
- pheochromocytoma.
Some of the listed pathologies in the initial stage of development are not accompanied by symptoms and are difficult to diagnose. There are frequent cases when the malignancy of the formation was established only after metastasis.
Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor lesion of the chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla, which is responsible for the synthesis of dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine.
The development of a benign form of pathology is characterized by sudden attacks of hypertension against the background of neuropsychiatric, hematological and gastrointestinal deviations. The patient has an unreasonable feeling of fear and anxiety, the skin turns pale, nausea and vomiting, pain in the heart and tachycardia occur.
In addition, there is an increase in temperature and sweating. Urges to urinate become more frequent, and a large amount of urine is released. In some cases, the tumor can be palpated.
The development of a malignant form of the tumor is accompanied by significant weight loss, impaired renal function and abdominal pain. There are frequent cases of diabetes mellitus.
Cushing's Syndrome
Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome is a disease in which the synthesis of corticotropin increases, due to impaired functionality of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, regulating the work of the adrenal glands.
Most often, pathology develops in middle-aged women, and can be associated with skull injuries, severe mental shock, brain infection, intoxication of the body and hormonal changes.
Typical symptoms of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome:
- violation of fat metabolism;
- ovarian dysfunction;
- the development of osteoporosis;
- fragility of blood vessels;
- decreased memory and intellectual abilities;
- bouts of apathy and depression;
- increase in pressure.
Obesity is the most pronounced symptom of pathology. In this case, fat deposits are localized in the upper back and on the neck, as well as in the abdomen and chest. The patient's face takes on a round shape, which in medicine is called the moon. The development of the disease is accompanied by male type hair.
Diagnosis methods for women
To make a diagnosis, you need to check the functionality of the adrenal glands. For this, a biochemical analysis of urine and blood, blood screening for hormones, ultrasound and MRI, as well as multispiral CT are used.
In the presence of tumors, additional diagnostic information is obtained using radiation studies.
In addition, an analysis of the state of the skeletal system is prescribed for the timely diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Functional changes during pregnancy
During the period of bearing a child in the female body, the hormonal background is rearranged. The endocrine system responds to pregnancy by increasing the production of all types of adrenal hormones, with the exception of androgens.
To determine the level of physiological changes in the functionality of the adrenal glands during pregnancy, women are recommended to donate blood for hormones - this analysis is recognized as the most informative.
Violation of the adrenal gland with menopause
During menopause, the woman’s reproductive abilities gradually fade away, which leads to ovarian dysfunction and is expressed in the utmost reduction in the amount of sex hormones.
With the complete cessation of the production of estrogen and progesterone, the biological aging of the female body occurs.
To prevent adrenal disease, it is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, daily routine and physical activity. For the full functioning of the adrenal glands, it is necessary to include in the diet products containing vitamins C, A and E, as well as limit the use of salt.
An important factor in maintaining women's health is also considered an annual medical examination.
