The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, produce essential hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline. These hormones regulate stress response, blood pressure, metabolism, and fluid balance. Disorders of the adrenal glands can cause significant health complications, and expert endocrinological care is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
Adrenal Conditions We Treat
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol, either from the adrenal glands or due to long-term steroid medication use.
Symptoms
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face ("moon face")
- Buffalo hump (fat deposit between shoulders)
- Purple stretch marks (striae)
- Easy bruising
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Muscle weakness
- Mood changes and depression
Our Management
- Comprehensive hormonal evaluation (24-hour urine cortisol, dexamethasone suppression test)
- Identification of the underlying cause (pituitary, adrenal, or ectopic)
- Medical therapy and cortisol-lowering medications
- Referral for surgery when indicated
Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Symptoms
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Low blood pressure
- Salt craving
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Our Management
- Hormone replacement therapy (hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone)
- Sick day rules and adrenal crisis prevention education
- Regular monitoring of hormone levels
Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome)
Excess production of aldosterone from the adrenal gland, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
- Aldosterone-renin ratio testing
- Adrenal vein sampling guidance
- Medical therapy with aldosterone antagonists
- Surgical referral for adrenal adenoma
Phaeochromocytoma & Paraganglioma
Rare tumours of the adrenal medulla that produce excess adrenaline and noradrenaline, causing episodes of severe hypertension, headaches, sweating, and palpitations.
- Plasma/urine catecholamine and metanephrine testing
- Coordination of surgical management
- Pre-operative medical optimisation
- Long-term surveillance for recurrence
Adrenal Incidentaloma
An adrenal mass discovered incidentally during imaging for another purpose. Requires careful evaluation to determine hormonal activity and malignancy risk.
- Hormonal workup to assess function
- Imaging characterisation
- Surveillance or surgical referral as appropriate
Why Choose Dr. Prathamesh Deorukhkar?
- Expert evaluation of complex adrenal conditions
- Accurate diagnosis using advanced hormonal and imaging protocols
- Evidence-based, personalised medical management
- Multidisciplinary approach with surgery and radiology teams
- Long-term follow-up and adrenal health monitoring
