Hormone imbalances that support the regulation of vital processes including metabolism, the immune system, and blood pressure can be brought on by an adrenal illness. Adrenal gland disorders, which are uncommon during pregnancy, can result in high blood pressure and other pregnancy issues that could be harmful to both the mother's and the fetus's health.
Pregnancy-related elevated blood pressure (hypertension) affects about 8% of all pregnant women. However, hormonal issues can contribute to hypertension in fewer than 1% of pregnancies. An adrenal gland disorder could result in primary hyperaldosteronism, Cushing syndrome and pheochromocytoma.
Pregnancy issues include high blood pressure, restricted intrauterine growth, preterm birth, and pregnancy loss can be brought on by adrenal hormone abnormalities.
Muscle cramps, muscle weakness, and fatigue brought on by low potassium levels are all symptoms of primary hyperaldosteronism.
Symptoms of pheochromocytoma include an extremely rapid heartbeat or the sensation that your heart is fluttering (palpitations), rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, Having a pallor or flush, Clumpy skin, trembling (tremors).
Due to elevated cortisol levels, Cushing syndrome can cause maternal hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, heart failure, and even death.
Severe weakness, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, diarrhea and vomiting, confusion, shock, and coma are all signs of adrenal insufficiency
Book an appointment with your gynaecologist right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
Primary hyperaldosteronism
Excessive activity in both adrenal glands for unknown reasons (idiopathic hyperplasia)
An adenoma or aldosteronoma is a small, benign (noncancerous) aldosterone-producing tumor in one adrenal gland that causes it to overproduce hormone.
Pheochromocytoma
It is a rare medulla tumor of the adrenal gland. This type of tumor's cause is unknown. However, if someone in your family has this type of tumor, you are more likely to develop it as well.
Cushing syndrome
Long-term sustained high levels of the hormone cortisol.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough hormones, particularly cortisol. The cause could be the adrenal gland or another gland in the brain, such as the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.
Adrenal Disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition that can endanger both the mother and the foetus.
Primary hyperaldosteronism
Laboratory tests: determine the levels of aldosterone and renin in your blood.
Pheochromocytoma
Blood and urine tests aid in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in pregnant women by looking for levels of metanephrines in the blood and urine. Additionally, imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound and MRI scans can assist doctors in locating the tumor.
Cushing syndrome
A urine test can detect high cortisol levels, but more laboratory and imaging studies are required to confirm the cause of high cortisol levels.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency during pregnancy may go undetected due to overlapping nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and decreased appetite that can occur during a normal pregnancy. Tests may be unable to differentiate between mild adrenal insufficiency and normal hormonal changes during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have adrenal disease that does not improve on its own, medication or surgery may be required.
Primary hyperaldosteronism
Management of primary aldosteronism depends on the cause.
Medical treatment is advised if both adrenal glands are overactive.
If a small, benign tumor is the source of the problem, minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic adrenalectomy) can alleviate primary aldosteronism.
High blood pressure is caused by aldosteronism; increasing progesterone levels can block aldosterone action and naturally lower blood pressure. In this case, the doctor may be able to treat the aldosteronism after the baby is born.
Pheochromocytoma
A course of alpha-blocker medications to control high blood pressure, followed by surgical removal of the tumor.
The best time for surgery depends on a variety of factors, but the second trimester (the middle third of pregnancy) is generally preferred.
If a pheochromocytoma is discovered in the third trimester (the last third of pregnancy), surgery is usually postponed until after the baby is born.
Cushing syndrome
Treatment for Cushing syndrome is determined by the cause, the stage of the pregnancy, and the severity of the symptoms.
Adrenal surgery is typically performed during the second trimester (the middle section of pregnancy).
If surgery is not the best option, you may be advised to seek alternative medical treatment.
Adrenal Insufficiency
It is critical to follow your doctor's instructions regarding medications, what to do if you become ill or injured, and how to administer emergency medication.
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