Adrenocortical hormones and functions as allocated, secretion, tests, treatments, medications

adrenal cortex includes several varieties of hormones, each of which performs its function in the human body.

What is the adrenal cortex, the structure, function

2 adrenal called endocrine glands located near the top of the kidneys point. They provide the regulation of important processes that take place inside. The adrenals are composed of cortical and cerebral substance regulated CNS. The first stimulates the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, and the second produces steridnye hormones.

The composition of the adrenal cortex are 3 layers:

• reticulate;
• glomerular;
• Beam.

Glomerular kind of responsible for the formation of corticosterone, aldosterone, deoxycorticosterone. Beam cortisol species forms, and the mesh is capable of synthesizing hormones. It supports inside the body water and electrolyte balance crusty appearance. Medulla forms catecholamines, which strengthen the heart muscle increases the blood pressure.

Shapes and sizes of the adrenal glands

The adrenal glands are different in shape: the left looks like a half-moon, right on the Egyptian pyramids. They also have a front, a rear and renal surface and have the following dimensions: 3 cm width and 5 cm length.

Types of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex

the adrenal cortex (the hormones are divided into several groups) highlights:

1. mineralocorticoid activates the hormones that increase the productivity of the sodium pump. It also reduces the absorbability of potassium channels in kidney.
2. glucocorticoids can weaken the muscle activity. If the human body such hormones are absent, the immunity of the body is greatly reduced.
3. By sex hormones are estrogens, androgens, progesterone. They play a big role in children during the development of the sexual organs.

The functions of hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex

Adrenocortical which hormones synthesized steroid for more than 40 different species, includes the medulla and cortex. The final form sexual and corticosteroid hormones.

The second type includes:

1. aldosterone involved in the water-salt balance. He gets through the cell wall to maintain normal levels of sodium ions. The hormone has to be produced on a large scale to participate in all major processes.
2. corticosteron doctors stand out against other hormones because when it breaks down a protein deficiency. He is responsible for the activation energy and the reduction of adipose tissue. Therefore, when excess weight on the adrenal hormone assay is performed necessarily.
3. Adrenalin - his production increases sharply when a state of stress or hypothermia. Due to its effect on pressure vessels lying accelerated heartbeat, improves blood circulation organs.
4. hormone levels noradrenaline becomes higher when a person experiences fear, which appeared due to an external threat. Unlike adrenaline he almost does not affect the cardiovascular system.
5. pregnenolone - a steroid hormone that is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal glands. The hormone is a major precursor of which appear almost all other steroid hormones. It improves memory, increases efficiency. It also relieves fatigue, which is caused by stress.
6. dehydroepiandrosterone It is formed from cholesterol in the adrenal glands. It possesses weak androgenic action, but in peripheral tissues transformed into testosterone.
7. Male hormone testosterone It is produced from cholesterol. If his body is small, there are problems with potency and sex drive. If testosterone deficiency is large, it leads to infertility. adrenal cortex decreases testosterone secretion in obesity, starvation or heavy physical activity.
8. estrone - a steroid hormone that has an effect on the ovaries and uterus. Even after removal of the ovaries or during the menopause, this hormone has an effect on the endometrium.
9. theelol - a steroid hormone. Its activity is lower than that of the previous one. Its effect, he reveals during pregnancy in women. Estriol generates prostanglandiny Expanding vessels in endometrium and increase uterine blood flow. The hormone triggers the formation of the ducts in the breast and prepares it for lactation.
10. 17-hydroxyprogesterone is the stabilizer of the menstrual cycle. It is formed by testosterone and is considered to be the basis for cortisol.

Norm and pathology of adrenal hormones

Adrenocortical hormones constantly different during the day. There are characteristics, which should be laid hormones indicators. Which can be determined using routine blood analysis. If the index is above or below, it is a violation that leads to various pathologies.

hormones	Children 3-15	Adults
men	Women
aldosterone	15-340 pg / ml	25-260 pg / ml	25/270 pg / ml
cortisol	70-540 nmol / L	130-640 nmol / l	130-640 nmol / l
Testosterone	—	2-10 ng / ml	0.2-1.0 ng / ml
Adrenalin	—	0.9-2.48 nmol / l	0.9-2.48 nmol / l
norepinephrine	—	0.6-3.24 nmol / l	0.6 3.24 nmol / l

The adrenal cortex, where malfunctioning hormones occur the following variations:

• late onset of critical days;
• violation of the terms of the critical days;
• appearance of acne;
• strong pubic hair growth;
• tachycardia;

Disruptions in the adrenal glands can be acute and chronic. The first exhibit strong deviations crust.

His reasons:

• rejection of hormonal preparations;
• krovoizilyanie into the parenchyma;
• stress.

Chronic failure develops slowly, but its effects on the thyroid deep and almost impossible to treat.

When this fails, there are:

• nervousness and aggression;
• libido suffers;
• disturbed appetite;
• memory and intelligence are reduced.

The causes of variances of adrenal hormones

Decrypting and verifying blood test for hormones should be a doctor, but there are some indicators of values, based to which the patient can make a conclusion on their own:

Hormone	The reason for increase
aldosterone	Adrenal hyperplasia, a small amount of sodium in the diet, physical exhaustion.
cortisol	Malignant tumors of the adrenal glands.
Degidroepisterona sulfate	A tumor of the adrenal glands.

diagnosis of the disease

Body diagnostics include: testing of urine and blood, ultrasound diagnostics, MRI, CT scan:

1. ultrasound - highly informative method of examination of the adrenal cortex.
2. DEA surrenders to detect the amount of androgens.
3. A simple x-ray examinations necessary for the detection of calcifications in the adrenal glands.
4. computed tomography is used to determine the size and shape of the adrenal glands.
5. Analysis venous blood, On the basis of which it is possible to find out whether there are problems in cortisol secretion.
6. MRI - highly accurate method and one of the best, based on the action of the atomic nuclei and the magnetic field. The advantage of this method lies in the absence of radiation exposure. You can conduct a survey in the information-diagnostic complex, will have to pay 3,000 rubles.

When to see a doctor

The adrenal glands are part of the hormonal system, so their diagnosis and treatment has been endocrinologist. You can also refer to the therapist, it will prompt further action. If you need to remove the tumor in the adrenal area, the surgeon is doing.

Such signs of disease as dark patches of skin on the neck, face and back of the hands, lower pressure, the desire to eat salty foods, indicate that human adrenal insufficiency. Only laboratory diagnosis to confirm its presence, and the underlying cause of the disease.

Prevention abnormalities of adrenal hormones

Prevention includes measures to reduce the negative impact of the disease on quality of life.

you must:

• normalize sleep and daily routine;
• exercise regularly;
• every day for a walk in the fresh air;
• practice meditation and yoga;
• eliminate the emotional and physical stress;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• eliminate from the diet of salty, spicy and fatty foods.

Methods for the treatment of pathologies of adrenal hormones

Treatment of the disease is associated with abnormalities of the adrenal cortex work standards, is carried out using drug therapy. Also endocrinologist may prescribe patients symptomatic therapy with diuretic drugs and drugs with potassium.

Analogs of adrenal hormones

Normally, the adrenal cortex forms the following hormones: cortisol, sex, aldosterone. If they produced little or had a surgery to remove the adrenal gland, the correction doctors prescribe hormone analogues.

Inhibiting hormone synthesis

To reduce hormone agent used, called steroidogenesis inhibitors. Also in this case the patients are recommended drugs that reduce blood pressure.

Preparations for the improvement of the work of the cortex

By reducing the hormone synthesis specialists prescribed replacement therapy. By synthetic analogs in this case are corticosteroids: mineralocorticoid and glyukookrtikoidy.

drugs

For the treatment of various pathological processes occurring in the adrenal cortex, the following drugs are used:

beclomethasone

Hormonal formulation intended for inhalation use.

Indications:

• kortikoidozavisimaya asthma;
• bronchial asthma.

The drug prescribed by a doctor 1-2 inhalations 3 times a day with an interval of 4 hours. Price in pharmacies from 270-450 rubles. The duration of treatment is determined by a specialist.

betamethasone

A synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action.

Indications:

• adrenal insufficiency;
• acute thyroiditis;
• allergic diseases.

The daily dose for adults is 0.25 mg, in children of 17 .mu.g / kg. Price in pharmacies from 150 to 250 rubles. The duration of treatment determined by the doctor.

mitotane

Anticancer drug, exerting cytotoxic effect on the cells of the adrenal glands. Indications for use are: symptomatic treatment of cancer of the adrenal cortex. Adults appoint 2-3 g per day The dose may be increased to 4-6 g Price in pharmacies from 1300 rubles.

Mam

Antineoplastic agent, including in its membership aminoglutethimide active substance that reduces inflammation in the adrenal cortex.

Indications:

• breast cancer;
• a tumor of the adrenal cortex;
• Cushing's syndrome;
• ectopic.

The cost of the drug in pharmacies from 200-300 rubles.

prednisolone

The hormonal drug having anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect.

Indications:

• endocrine disease;
• diffuse disease;
• rheumatic fever;
• bronchial asthma.

The tablets are from 6 am to 8 pm. Means administered from 20-30 mg / day for acute conditions, as a maintenance therapy of 10-20 mg / day. The cost of the drug in pharmacies from 52 rubles.

Florinef

The hormone of the adrenal cortex, providing mineralocorticoid action. In high doses, it inhibits the activity of the adrenal cortex and is intended for replacement therapy.

Indications:

• Addison's disease;
• adrenogenital syndrome;
• adrenocortical insufficiency.

The drug is administered from 0.05-0.1 mg in the morning with plenty of water. The cost of the drug from 119-250 rubles.

Traditional methods

Traditional recipes are effective in the complex with the main therapy, but still before use should consult a doctor.

Broth

1. For the decoction of horsetail need 2 tbsp. l raw pour cup of boiling water and boiled for 20 minutes. Drink such broth must 0.5 Art. morning and evening, with a deficiency of adrenal hormones.
2. currant leaves need to add 0.5 liters of boiling water and infuse 6 hours. Take 100 g of broth 4 times per day.
3. Infusion of oats do this: 3 tbsp. l sprouted oats, pour boiling water, insist night and drink 100 g for an hour before a meal.
4. To saturate the body with vitamins brewed berries that help boost immunity. In equal proportions take sea buckthorn, raspberries, cranberry and rosehip. Water with berries boiled for a few minutes and insist half an hour. Take 2 weeks 0.5 Art. 3 times a day.
5. Dandelion root 50 g and 15 g of a succession of brew 500 ml of boiling water and soaked in a thermos day. Take a decoction 0,5 art. 2 times a day.
6. Leaves burdock soaked in cold water for 3 hours and passed through a meat grinder. Slurry is drained, and the juice is used for 1 hour. l before meals.
7. To prepare the herbal need to take in equal proportions currant leaves, lungwort, nettles, and a series of viburnum. Pour raw materials to such an extent that the water covered him with 2 fingers. Infuse for 30 minutes to collect and take 2 tbsp. l, 3 times a day.

alcoholate

If there are no contraindications to the alcohol-containing agents, it is possible to supplement the treatment of adrenal alcohol tinctures:

1. The roots of Echinacea purpurea insist alcohol in proportions of 1: 5 and 40 days taking 20 drops 3 times a day.
2. Infusion Eleutherococcus taking 30 drops for 30 minutes before a meal, pre-diluted in 100 g of water.
3. Tincture of rose hips do so: 1 tbsp. rosehip pour 1 liter of vodka, insist 1 mo., take 1 tbsp. l, 2 times a day.

Other methods

It is useful to use food with proteins, animal fats, vitamins.

Ingredients for the normalization of the adrenal glands:

• fatty fish;
• tea made from licorice;
• fat;
• eggs;
• carrot.

The diet should also include digestible carbohydrates. To avoid hypoglycemic reactions appeared after the release of insulin due to lower functions contrainsular hormones, carbohydrates should be consumed throughout the day fractionally.

Another use may be assigned salt to 10-15 g of sodium chloride. An important place in the diet take vitamins. Mealtime different vegetables should be included, fruit and raw juices. To activate the work of the adrenal glands to help special exercises and yoga.

clinical examination

Patients suffering from chronic diseases of the adrenal cortex, are subject to constant medical check-ups. They were examined by a doctor and endocrinologist 6 times a year, a neurologist 1 once a year, and other specialists may be needed.

Twice a year in these patients, blood and urine analysis to determine the blood levels of chloride, sodium, potassium. Once a year, remove the ECG and spend chest x-ray.

Patients, regardless of the form of the disease is contraindicated in physical labor and nervous strain. In chronic insufficiency moderate patients assigned to group III disability, and in severe II group.

possible complications

If you do not treat the pathology, then there will be complications which are accompanied by acute adrenal insufficiency, known as a crisis. The patient in this case, a decrease of glucocorticoids. This can occur in the absence of treatment.

complications:

• gastrointestinal acute;
• cardiovascular disease;
• neuro-psychic form.

Any form of flow insufficient function of the adrenal cortex and hormonal disruptions are dangerous process. Therefore, everyone should know the early signs of the disease, because the only time the diagnosis will help you choose the right treatment.

Registration of the article: Mila Friedan

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