Adrenal Disorder Evaluation in Seomyeon, Busan

An adrenal disorder evaluation checks whether the adrenal glands are producing too much or too little hormone, or whether an adrenal lump found on a scan needs treatment. In Seomyeon, endocrinology clinics typically start with targeted blood and urine hormone tests, such as cortisol, aldosterone, renin and metanephrines, and review CT images, referring to hospitals for complex testing or surgery when needed.

Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:

What is an adrenal disorder evaluation?

The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and produce cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline-type hormones. Disorders include benign nodules that produce hormones, overproduction of aldosterone causing high blood pressure, cortisol excess (Cushing's syndrome), rare adrenaline-producing tumours (pheochromocytoma), and adrenal insufficiency, where too little cortisol is made. Adrenal nodules are frequently found by chance on CT scans done for other reasons, called incidentalomas, and most are harmless and non-functioning.

Who is it for?

• People with an adrenal nodule found incidentally on CT or MRI
• High blood pressure starting young, resistant to several medicines, or with low potassium
• Features of cortisol excess: central weight gain, round face, purple stretch marks, easy bruising, muscle weakness
• Episodes of pounding headache, sweating and palpitations with high blood pressure
• Persistent fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt craving or darkened skin, suggesting adrenal insufficiency

Severe weakness, vomiting, confusion and very low blood pressure, particularly in someone on long-term steroids, may be an adrenal crisis: call 119.

What happens at the clinic

1. History: blood pressure, symptoms, medicines including steroid creams, inhalers or tablets, and previous scans.
2. Hormone screening: tests chosen for the suspected condition, such as an aldosterone-renin ratio, an overnight dexamethasone suppression test, metanephrines and morning cortisol.
3. Medicine adjustments: some blood pressure medicines affect results, so changes may be needed beforehand under supervision.
4. Imaging review: adrenal CT characteristics help separate benign adenomas from lesions needing further work-up.
5. Plan: reassurance and follow-up, medicines, or referral for confirmatory tests, adrenal vein sampling or surgery at a hospital.

Treatment outlook

Most incidental nodules are benign and non-functioning, needing little or no follow-up. Primary aldosteronism is an important, treatable cause of high blood pressure, managed with medicine or surgery. Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma usually require surgery. Adrenal insufficiency is treated with lifelong hormone replacement and stress-dose education.

Risks and limitations

Blood and urine tests are low risk, but results can be affected by medicines, stress and timing, so careful preparation is essential. Imaging involves radiation for CT. Some confirmatory tests are only available in hospitals.

Choosing a clinic for adrenal evaluation in Seomyeon

• Choose an endocrinologist experienced in adrenal testing protocols.
• Bring the original CT images and report, not just a summary.
• Ask which medicines need adjusting before tests, and how safely.
• Ask about hospital referral for adrenal vein sampling or surgery if needed.
• If you take steroids, ask about a steroid emergency card.

Coordinating tests

Some tests require early-morning blood draws. Staying near Seomyeon, with Line 1 and 2 access, makes timed tests easier.

Key facts

• Evaluates: adrenal incidentaloma, primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, adrenal insufficiency
• Common tests: aldosterone-renin ratio, overnight dexamethasone suppression test, plasma or urine metanephrines, morning cortisol
• Imaging: adrenal CT or MRI
• Preparation: some tests need medicine adjustments or specific timing
• Results: usually within several days
• Follow-up: repeat imaging or referral based on findings

Frequently asked questions

What is an adrenal incidentaloma?

It is an adrenal nodule found by chance on a scan done for another reason. Most are benign and do not produce excess hormones, but hormone testing and imaging review are recommended.

Can adrenal problems cause high blood pressure?

Yes. Primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma can all raise blood pressure. Screening is advised for resistant hypertension, low potassium, or hypertension starting at a young age.

What is the dexamethasone suppression test?

You take a small dose of dexamethasone late at night, and cortisol is measured the next morning. Normally cortisol falls; failure to suppress suggests cortisol excess.

Is adrenal fatigue a real diagnosis?

Adrenal fatigue is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Adrenal insufficiency is real and diagnosed with specific tests. Persistent fatigue should be evaluated for proven causes.

Do adrenal nodules need surgery?

Only some do, typically those producing excess hormones, those that are large or growing, or those with suspicious imaging features. Most incidental nodules need only monitoring or no follow-up.

Related treatments in Seomyeon

• Hormone Testing in Seomyeon
• High Blood Pressure Management in Seomyeon
• Pituitary Disorder Evaluation in Seomyeon
• Chronic Fatigue Evaluation in Seomyeon
• Metabolic Syndrome Care in Seomyeon
• All Endocrinology in Seomyeon

Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.