Adrenal Disorders

The adrenal glands regulate stress hormones, blood pressure, and metabolism. Disorders such as Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, and pheochromocytoma can cause serious hormonal imbalances.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our specialists use advanced hormone testing and imaging to accurately diagnose adrenal conditions and deliver precise, life-improving treatment.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

The adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, stress response, and blood pressure. When these glands make too little or too much hormone, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that differ by condition.

• Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency): Persistent fatigue, unintentional weight loss, low blood pressure, salt cravings, or skin darkening.
• Cushing’s syndrome: Weight gain, especially around the face and midsection, thinning skin, easy bruising, or purple stretch marks.
• Hyperaldosteronism: Difficult-to-control high blood pressure, headaches, or muscle weakness from low potassium.
• Pheochromocytoma: Sudden episodes of pounding heartbeat, sweating, shaking, or severe headaches.

During your evaluation, your endocrinologist at The Medical Group of New Jersey will review your symptoms, medication use (including steroid therapy), and family history to help pinpoint which adrenal hormone system may be affected.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis involves both hormone testing and imaging to determine whether the adrenal glands are underactive, overactive, or structurally abnormal. Testing may include:

• Morning cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, or an ACTH stimulation test, to assess adrenal function and confirm Addison’s disease.
• 24-hour urinary cortisol or a dexamethasone suppression test to detect Cushing’s syndrome.
• Aldosterone-to-renin ratio for evaluating hyperaldosteronism.
• Plasma or urine metanephrines to diagnose pheochromocytoma.

If laboratory results suggest an adrenal tumor or overproduction of hormones, CT or MRI imaging of the adrenal glands helps confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Treatment & Ongoing Management

Each patient’s treatment plan is personalized to address the underlying hormone imbalance:

• Adrenal Insufficiency: Lifelong hormone replacement therapy to restore normal cortisol levels, along with education on stress dosing and emergency steroid use.
• Cushing’s Syndrome & Hyperaldosteronism: Surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland is often curative. When surgery isn’t possible, medication can be used to control hormone production.
• Pheochromocytoma: Surgical removal of the tumor after carefully stabilizing blood pressure and heart rate.

Our multidisciplinary team at The Medical Group of New Jersey works closely with endocrine surgeons, nephrologists, and cardiologists to ensure safe, coordinated care from diagnosis through recovery.

Follow-Up & Prognosis

Long-term monitoring helps maintain hormone stability and detect recurrence early. Routine lab work and blood pressure checks are essential parts of ongoing care.

Patients with Addison’s disease are encouraged to wear a medical alert ID and carry an emergency steroid injection at all times.

With expert management and consistent follow-up, most patients regain stable hormone function, improved energy, and a strong quality of life.