Specialities › Adrenal Disorders
Adrenal Disorders Specialist in Ahmedabad
The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and make Cortisol, Aldosterone and Adrenaline, hormones that control blood pressure, blood sugar, salt balance and the stress response. Dr. Moxit Shah, DM Endocrinology, evaluates and treats adrenal disorders at Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Ahmedabad.
Adrenal Conditions We Treat
- Cushing’s Syndrome: too much Cortisol, causing weight gain in the face and trunk, purple stretch marks, easy bruising, high blood pressure, high sugar and weak muscles. It is often caused by long-term steroid medicines.
- Addison’s Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency): too little Cortisol, causing tiredness, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt craving, darkening of the skin and, in a crisis, severe weakness and dehydration.
- Primary Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome): too much Aldosterone, a common hidden cause of high blood pressure with low potassium.
- Pheochromocytoma: a rare adrenal tumour causing episodes of headache, sweating, palpitations and very high blood pressure.
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): an inherited enzyme problem seen in children and adults.
- Adrenal Incidentaloma: an adrenal lump found by chance on a scan, which needs hormone tests to check whether it is active.
When to See an Endocrinologist
See a specialist if you have high blood pressure at a young age or that does not respond to several medicines, high blood pressure with low potassium, unexplained weight gain with purple stretch marks, repeated episodes of headache with sweating and palpitations, unexplained tiredness with weight loss and dizziness, or an adrenal lump on a scan.
Tests for Adrenal Disorders
- Morning Cortisol and ACTH, and the Synacthen stimulation test
- Overnight Dexamethasone suppression test and late-night salivary Cortisol for Cushing’s Syndrome
- Aldosterone-to-Renin ratio for Primary Aldosteronism
- Plasma or urinary Metanephrines for Pheochromocytoma
- CT or MRI of the adrenal glands when a hormone problem is confirmed
Treatment
- Hydrocortisone replacement (with Fludrocortisone when needed) for Addison’s Disease, including a “sick day” plan and an emergency steroid card.
- Surgery referral for adrenal tumours that make too much hormone, in coordination with an experienced surgeon.
- Medicines such as Spironolactone for Primary Aldosteronism, and Alpha-blockers before surgery for Pheochromocytoma.
- Follow-up of adrenal lumps that are not hormone-producing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adrenal problems cause high blood pressure?
Yes. Primary Aldosteronism and Pheochromocytoma are treatable hormonal causes of high blood pressure, and they are often missed. Screening is advised if blood pressure starts young or is hard to control.
Is it dangerous to stop steroid tablets suddenly?
Yes. After long-term steroid use the body’s own Cortisol production is switched off, and stopping suddenly can cause a dangerous adrenal crisis. Never stop steroid medicines without your doctor’s guidance.
What should I do if an adrenal lump is found on a scan?
Most adrenal lumps are harmless, but they should be checked with hormone tests and a review of the scan features to make sure they are not producing excess hormones or needing further treatment.
Related: Pituitary Disorders · Diabetes · About Dr. Moxit Shah
Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Elite Magnum, 104-105, Bhuyangdev Cross Road, Opp. Utsav Elegance, Vardhmannagar Society, Ghatlodiya, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380061. Call or WhatsApp +91 99799 92797. Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.