Current Research in Adrenal Cortex Disorders

The adrenal cortex is the outer region of the adrenal gland. It is also the largest part of an adrenal gland. The specific zones of adrenal cortex synthesize different hormones that control sex (androgens, estrogens), salt balance in the blood (aldosterone) and sugar balance (cortisol). The excess or deficient secretion of each type of adrenal hormone causes severe disorders that include hypercortisolism, adrenal insufficiency, hyperaldosteronism, hypoaldosteronism, and androgen excess. Hypercortisolismm, also known as Addison's disease, is a disorder marked by inadequate production of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone that causes adrenal inefficiency. The signs and symptoms of this disease are abdominal pain and gastrointestinal abnormalities, weakness, weight loss, and darkening of skin in certain areas. Cushing syndrome is caused due to excessive release of cortisol hormone in the body. This syndrome leads to weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections, acne, etc. This book explores all the important aspects of adrenal cortex disorders in the present day scenario. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about these disorders.