The adrenal glands are located on the kidneys of the human body. It produces a variety of hormones, including adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol.
A recent British study published in the ‘Annals of Internal Medicine’ found shocking information. Researchers estimate that about one in 10 adults has a tumor in the adrenal gland. These tumors can cause some health risks.
This tumor, called ‘Adrenal Incidentaloma’ is benign, meaning it does not contain cancer. But the presence of these tumors in the adrenal glands can increase the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. This hormone can increase a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
According to researchers, the adrenal gland produces certain hormones that perform important functions, including stress and blood pressure control.But adrenal incidentaloma tumors produce more and more hormones, which can lead to multiple consequences.
The study, published in the journal Endocrine, found that one in five people with an adrenal incidentaloma tumor had higher than normal levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The hormone can cause various health problems, such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar. It can even increase inflammation in the body.
According to the researchers, drugs may be needed to control the effects of stress hormones produced by adrenal incidentaloma tumors. Adrenal tumors usually do not cause symptoms.