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ADRENAL Adrenal glands are situated over the top of each kidney. Adrenal adenomas are non-cancerous tumours of the adrenal gland. They arise from the outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex normally makes hormones that belong to the steroid family. If an adrenal adenoma produces hormones, it is called 'functioning', though this term makes them sound healthy when in fact such adenomas often produce excessive amounts of steroid hormones. If an adenoma does not produce a hormone it is termed 'non-functioning'. Adrenal adenomas are often found by chance during a scan of the body for an unrelated condition. However, all adrenal masses (lumps) need careful evaluation to ascertain their nature, especially to see whether they are producing hormones. If an adrenal adenoma that is producing hormones is not treated, it can have serious consequences. The cause of adrenal adenomas is unknown, but the current accepted theory is that they arise because of mutations (changes) in certain genes (which are not yet identified). Women herbs adrenal adenomas are more common in some inherited diseases, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and the Carney complex. Also, patients with genetic defects of the body systems that manufacture steroid hormones (e.g congenital adrenal hyperplasia), especially those whose condition is poorly controlled, may have a higher risk of adrenal adenomas. However, most adrenal adenomas are not linked with an inherited disease. The likelihood of developing an adenoma increases with age. About 6 per cent of patients over 60 years of age have an adrenal adenoma. SymptomsAdrenal cancer does not always produce symptoms. Both nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinomas and large functioning tumors may cause the following:
Additional symptoms of functioning adrenocortical carcinoma depend on which hormones are overproduced. Overproduction of androgens (e.g., dehydroepiandrosterone, estrogen) usually does not produce symptoms in men because the testicles produce testosterone, which is a more potent androgen. Rarely, abnormal breast enlargement (gynecomastia) occurs in men. Excess androgens may cause early puberty in children and masculinization (i.e., abnormal facial and body hair, deepening voice) in women and children.
DiagnosedMost adrenal adenomas are discovered by chance when an abdominal computed-tomography (CT) or magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) scan is done for unrelated symptoms.Others posibilities.More rarely, a mass in the adrenal gland is cancer that has spread from another part of the body, usually the lung or bowel (ie 'metastatic' cancer). Generally, the origin of the cancer is clear from the clinical examination or from simple tests such as a chest X-ray. In addition, the CT or MRI appearance of metastatic cancer in the adrenal gland can be distinguished from a benign adrenal adenoma by use of specialised radiology. An adrenal mass might also be a cancer of the adrenal cortex (adrenocortical carcinoma). Although they are very rare, these cancers are often large and can produce a combination of hormones.Adrenal masses can also arise from the inner part
of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla, which is part of the
nervous system and produces the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Tumours of the adrenal medulla are called phaeochromocytomas, and they
also can be distinguished from adenomas by specialised scanning techniques
as well as by blood and urine tests for adrenaline and noradrenaline. Hypoadrenalism (underactivity of the adrenal glands)Adrenal glands are two small but very important
glands, situated one above each kidney, which produce a range of hormones,
or 'chemical messengers'. Underactivity of the adrenal glands is called
hypoadrenalism.
Many of the symptoms of hypoadrenalism are due to a deficiency of the steroid hormone cortisol, which is a potentially fatal deficiency if left uncorrected. These is call the Kidney's Yin deficiency. Each adrenal gland consists of two parts: an outer ring - the cortex an inner core - the medulla. The two parts have separate hormone functions and control mechanisms. The production of cortisol in the cortex is controlled by the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain which is also call the associated Kidney's Qi. Function of pituitary gland in adrenal function.The way in which the pituitary gland regulates the
normal production of steroid hormones by the adrenal gland is through the
secretion of ACTH. If the adrenal gland produces too little cortisol, then
there will be a lower level of cortisol in the blood. This is sensed by
the pituitary, which therefore will increase the release of ACTH, which in
turn stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisol.
Conversely, too much circulating steroid hormone will switch off the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland, which in turn reduces the adrenal gland production of steroids. Hypoadrenalism causePrimary hypoadrenalism or Addison's disease, results
from failure of the adrenal glands themselves. This is usually an
'autoimmune' disease, where the immune system produces antibodies that
attack tissues of the body rather than a virus or bacteria. In Addison's
disease, antibodies attack the adrenal cortex, causing damage and
scarring. Antibodies to the adrenal cortex can be detected in the blood of
some patients. This is also call the Kidney's Qi .
Secondary hypoadrenalism or ACTH deficiency Other causes Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands may also cause hypoadrenalism. This was a common cause of Addison's disease in Britain before the 20th century and remains a major cause in underdeveloped countries. Tuberculosis destroys the whole gland, both the cortex and the medulla. There are usually signs of tuberculosis in other organs, particularly the lungs. Destruction of the adrenal glands by tuberculosis is irreversible once hormonal deficiencies are clinically detectable. Being the Lung's which is the Metal and the Kidney the Water, Metal give rise to Water, Lung give rise to Kidney, the Five Elements. Male menopause, androgen deficiency and PADAMAll men and women undoubtedly experience symptoms related to reduced production of sex hormones (sex steroids) as they get older. Some people experience very few symptoms, whereas others are completely disabled by them. It is important to remember that this fall in sex hormone production is a natural process and not a disease. In women, the fall in sex hormone production is quite abrupt and usually occurs over a few months or years in their 40s or 50s. The ovaries dramatically reduce their production of estrogens (the female-determining sex steroids), a woman's periods become disturbed and eventually stop ( menopause). Menopausal women may also experience:
In men, the fall in sex hormone production is much more gradual, developing over decades rather than months or years. Mental and physical changes can occur, but they are much more gradual and can easily be missed. As such, the term 'male menopause', or andropause, is probably not accurate. Instead, experts prefer to talk about 'partial androgen deficiency of the ageing male' (PADAM). Formation of testosterone (the principal male-determining sex steroid) falls gradually and progressively from the 40s onwards. Other hormones are also affected, including growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), parathyroid hormone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Other endocrine (hormonal) disorders, such as hypothyroidism (thyroid underactivity) and diabetes, are also more common with advancing age but are better understood. Research on treatment for the menopause in women is done widely in the western world, but very little research has been undertaken into PADAM and the effects of treatment.A very considerable body of evidence supports the use of estrogen replacement in menopausal women which in long term may cause cancer, but hormone supplementation in ageing men is highly controversial. What are androgens?In a woman's body, one of the main purposes of androgens is to be converted into the female hormone estrogen. In women, androgens are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. In fact, women may produce too much or too little of these hormones -- disorders of androgen excess and deficiency affect an estimated 5 to 10 percent of women and are among the more common hormonal disorders in women. In women, androgens play a key role in the hormonal cascade that kick starts puberty, stimulating hair growth in the pubic and underarm areas. Additionally, these hormones are believed to regulate the function of many organs, including the reproductive tract, bone, kidneys, liver and muscle. In adult women, androgens are necessary for estrogen synthesis and have been shown to play a key role in the prevention of bone loss as well as sexual desire and satisfaction. They also regulate body function before, during and after menopause. Androgen deficiency can occur in younger men, and even in children and adolescents, as a result of testicular damage, genetic disorders, long term sickness or metabolic disorders. It is very important to get treatment at an early stage and receive Chinese Master's herbal treatment. Symptoms of androgen deficiencyThe symptoms :
Physical features include:
increase in total body fat (because of a fall in the proportion of body weight that is muscle rather than through weight gain). osteoporosis reduction in red cell volume (a reduction in the proportion of red blood cells to plasma. ConsequencesChanges caused by PADAM could potentially affect
health in several ways: cognitive impairment (problems with thought, concentration and memory). reduced physical strength sexual problems.
Located on top of both kidneys, the adrenal glands are triangular-shaped and measure approximately half an inch in height and three inches in length. WOMEN ALTERNATIVE ADRENAL TREATMENT Also characterized by overproduction of hormones, adrenal gland cancers are very rare afflicting only one or two per one million people. When they occur, however, these tumors may secrete excess amounts of cortisol. WOMEN ADRENAL TREATMENT CENTRE Diagnosis for adrenal cancer usually begins with blood tests to evaluate levels of certain hormones, including cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. It may also include MRI and CT scans to determine the extent of the disease.
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