Adrenal gland problems

The adrenal glands sit on top of our kidneys and make several different hormones:

  • Cortisol: This is also known as the stress hormone.
  • Aldosterone: This hormone helps with salt-water balance in the body.
  • Androgens: This hormone is like testosterone in the body.
  • Catecholamines: This hormone helps the body manage during stress. 

Throughout childhood, there are conditions that can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much or not enough of these hormones. 

Some of the conditions that affect the adrenal gland are:

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Find more information on this condition through our Emerge Clinic.
  • Addison’s disease
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma
  • Hypoaldosteronism

More information

Adrenal gland care at Children's Wisconsin

  • At your child’s visit, our team gathers a medical history and performs a physical exam.
  • The team may need to get blood and urine tests to see if your child has an adrenal gland problem. From there, we can decide on the best treatment for your child together.