What Are the Signs of Adrenal Gland Problems in Females? Signals That May Indicate an Adrenal Tumour

Many medical symptoms can be general and isolated, often resolving on their own without a specific cause being found.

When these symptoms become persistent or appear in combination, they may point towards a deeper underlying health issue. For females, certain signs can sometimes be related to the activity of the adrenal gland or growths upon it.

This guide explores what are the signs of adrenal gland problems in females that could indicate an adrenal tumour, highlighting why professional medical evaluation is important for an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Your Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Tumours

Your adrenal glands are two small glands situated on top of your kidneys. They are vital for producing hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, androgens, and adrenaline, which regulate many bodily functions:

Metabolism and Stress Response: Cortisol helps control the body's use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and manages stress.
Blood Pressure Control: Aldosterone can help to regulate blood pressure by managing the body's salt and water balance.
Sex Hormone Production: Secreting androgens (male-style hormones) that influence sexual development and libido.
'Fight or Flight' Response: Adrenal glands can create adrenaline and noradrenaline, which help your body react to stressful situations by increasing heart rate and blood flow.

Conversely, an adrenal gland tumour is a growth that forms on an adrenal gland. The majority of these tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and also “non-functional,” meaning they do not produce excess hormones or cause symptoms. Often found by chance during imaging for other reasons, many may not require immediate treatment.

However, some adrenal tumours, whether they are benign or cancerous, can be “functional.” A functional adrenal tumour secretes high levels of certain hormones, leading to noticeable health problems and a wide range of adrenal gland tumour symptoms.

Hormonal Clues: Symptoms Potentially Linked to Functional Adrenal Tumours

Functional adrenal tumours can overproduce certain hormones. An imbalance of these hormones often leads to specific tumour symptoms that may present distinctly in females.

Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle and Body Hair

Menstrual Irregularities: Unexplained shifts in your cycle, such as missed periods or irregular timing, could stem from an adrenal gland hormone imbalance. An adrenal tumour could produce excess androgens (male hormones), possibly disrupting the delicate hormonal balance that governs the normal menstrual cycle.

Unusual Hair Growth & Thinning: The development of coarse, dark hair in male-pattern areas like the face, chest, or abdomen (hirsutism) may suggest androgen overproduction. Similarly, thinning hair on the scalp, like male-pattern baldness, can also be one of the symptoms of an adrenal gland tumour.

Unexplained Weight and Body Shape Shifts

If the adrenal gland tumour processes excess cortisol, you might notice a distinct pattern of fat redistribution—particularly in the following areas:

Less commonly, rapid and unexplained weight loss may occur. While rare, a condition like this can be associated with certain aggressive adrenal tumours or conditions that cause adrenal insufficiency.

Persistent High or Fluctuating Blood Pressure

Consistently high blood pressure that does not respond well to standard medications can be a significant clue. Sudden, severe spikes in blood pressure might suggest that an adrenal tumour (like an aldosteronoma or pheochromocytoma) is releasing excess aldosterone or adrenaline.

Conversely, persistent low blood pressure that causes dizziness, especially when you stand up, can sometimes point towards adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal gland is not producing enough essential hormones.

Other General Well-being Signals to Consider

Energy Levels and Muscle Strength

A deep, pervasive tiredness that is not relieved by rest and impacts daily functioning could be a symptom. While some use the term adrenal fatigue, medically, these feelings often point towards specific hormonal imbalances affecting energy and metabolism.

Additionally, weakness in large muscle groups like the thighs and shoulders, or general body aches, can be related to how hormones from the adrenal gland, such as cortisol, affect muscle tissue and electrolyte balance.

Mood and Emotional Well-being

Problems with the adrenal gland can cause noticeable changes in your emotional state. These may include increased irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or uncharacteristic mood swings, as hormones play a significant role in regulating brain chemistry.

On a more serious note, sudden episodes resembling panic attacks, with sweating, a rapid heart rate, and a sense of doom, can be symptoms of adrenaline-producing tumours (pheochromocytomas).

Skin Changes

Skin features like new, purplish stretch marks (striae) appearing on the abdomen, thighs, or arms, or finding that you bruise very easily, can be associated with prolonged high levels of cortisol from an adrenal tumour.

When to Seek Professional Medical Advice

Many of these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by various other common conditions. A definitive diagnosis of an adrenal tumour can only be made through proper medical evaluation and tests.

You should consider consulting a doctor for a professional opinion if:

You notice a persistent combination of the symptoms mentioned in this guide.
Your blood pressure becomes high and difficult to control with medication.
You experience significant and unexplained changes in your weight, body shape, or menstrual cycle.
The symptoms are severe, worsening over time, or impacting your daily life.

If you are experiencing a combination of these persistent symptoms, it may be time to consult a specialist. As an experienced surgeon dealing with abdominal conditions, including those of the adrenal gland, a hepatobiliary specialist like Dr. Thng can provide a comprehensive assessment and discuss appropriate diagnostic steps in Singapore.