The adrenal glands play a vital role in how your body manages stress, maintains blood pressure, regulates metabolism, and responds to illness. When adrenal hormone production is disrupted, even small imbalances can lead to symptoms that affect daily life, such as persistent fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, or changes in weight and blood pressure. Because these symptoms often develop gradually, adrenal disorders are frequently overlooked or mistaken for other health issues.Â
At Prima Medicine, adrenal gland disorders are evaluated and managed through specialized endocrinology care led by Dr. Janice E. McMillan, MD. As a board-certified endocrinologist with extensive experience treating complex hormone conditions, Dr. McMillan provides careful, methodical evaluation and long-term management for patients across all Prima Medicine locations. Her approach emphasizes accuracy, continuity, and a clear understanding of how adrenal hormones influence overall health.
What Are Adrenal Gland Disorders?
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce hormones that regulate stress response, blood pressure, metabolism, immune function, and electrolyte balance. Adrenal gland disorders occur when these glands produce too much or too little hormone, particularly cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. Since adrenal hormones affect nearly every organ system, endocrinology-focused care is essential for accurate diagnosis and long-term management.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. This condition can develop gradually and may go unrecognized until symptoms become severe or even life-threatening. Common concerns include chronic fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, and salt cravings. Endocrinology care often focuses on hormone replacement, ongoing monitoring, and education to prevent adrenal crises.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome results from prolonged exposure to excess cortisol. It may be caused by adrenal tumors, pituitary disorders, or long-term steroid use. Symptoms can include weight gain around the abdomen and face, muscle weakness, thinning skin, high blood pressure, and changes in mood. Endocrinology-based evaluation is critical to identify the source of excess cortisol and guide appropriate treatment plans.
Secondary and Other Adrenal Disorders
Adrenal dysfunction may also occur due to pituitary gland disorders, medication effects, or genetic conditions. These forms of adrenal disease often require specialized hormone testing and careful interpretation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate care plan.
Other adrenal disorders include:
- Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome): The adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, which can lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
- Pheochromocytoma / Paraganglioma: Usually benign tumors that develop in or near the adrenal glands and cause excess adrenaline, leading to sudden blood pressure spikes, headaches, and palpitations.
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): A genetic condition that affects cortisol production and may also impact other adrenal hormones from an early age.
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A rare cancer of the adrenal cortex that can disrupt normal hormone production.
Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Disorders
Symptoms vary depending on hormone levels and may include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Weakness
- Unexplained weight changes
- Abdominal pain
- Low or high blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Salt cravings
- Difficulty tolerating stress
Because these symptoms overlap with many conditions, endocrinology expertise is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Adrenal Disorder Evaluation and Treatment
Adrenal evaluation involves detailed hormone testing that may include blood, urine, and sometimes stimulation or suppression tests. Dr. McMillan may decide to review hormone patterns over time rather than relying on a single result. Imaging may also be used when indicated.
Treatment depends on the specific condition and may involve hormone replacement, medication adjustments, long-term monitoring, or coordination with other specialists. The focus is stable hormone balance and reducing long-term health risks.
Why Choose Prima Medicine for Adrenal Gland Disorder Treatment?
Dr. Janice E. McMillan brings advanced endocrinology training and academic experience to Prima Medicine. She previously served as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Endocrinologist at West Virginia University, where she managed complex adrenal and metabolic disorders while mentoring medical students and residents.
Her fellowship in Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Virginia, where she served as Chief Fellow, reflects a high level of specialization in hormone-related disease. As a published author in peer-reviewed endocrinology journals, Dr. McMillan applies evidence-based medicine with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach that values education, continuity, and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adrenal disorders most commonly affect cortisol, but they may also impact aldosterone and adrenal androgens. These hormones influence blood pressure, metabolism, immune response, and stress tolerance, which is why symptoms can feel widespread and nonspecific.
Some adrenal conditions can be serious and cause life-threatening complications if left untreated, particularly adrenal insufficiency and low blood pressure. With proper endocrinology care, patients are empowered to manage symptoms more effectively and help maintain better long-term health.
Diagnosis often requires specialized hormone testing performed at specific times of day or under controlled conditions. Endocrinologists are trained to interpret these results accurately and determine next steps.
Some conditions require long-term hormone replacement or monitoring, while others may improve once the underlying cause is addressed. Ongoing endocrinology follow-up helps guide care over time.
Comprehensive Adrenal Care in Northern Virginia
Adrenal gland disorders require careful evaluation and specialist oversight. Dr. McMillan provides endocrinology-focused adrenal care at Prima Medicine. To discuss symptoms, referrals, or next steps in condition management, call 703-870-3750 or book an appointment online at one of our four locations: Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, or Tysons.
