Feeling exhausted for weeks, gaining or losing weight without a clear reason, or dealing with dizziness, low blood pressure, or mood changes can be frustrating. The bigger problem is that these symptoms are easy to dismiss, even when an adrenal condition may be affecting hormone balance, stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure. When symptoms do not improve or start to interfere with daily life, seeing an Endocrinologist for Adrenal Glands becomes an important next step.
At Hilltop Endocrinology, patients receive specialized endocrine care from Dr. Kehinde Folawewo, a double board-certified endocrinologist with fellowship training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism from Howard University Hospital. Hilltop treats complex hormonal and metabolic conditions, including adrenal insufficiency, Cushing disease, hyperaldosteronism, adrenal adenomas, thyroid disease, and obesity.
What the Adrenal Glands Do
The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and produce hormones that help regulate stress response, metabolism, blood pressure, salt balance, and aspects of sexual hormone production. Key adrenal hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress and maintain normal metabolism. Aldosterone helps control sodium, potassium, and blood pressure. DHEA is an adrenal androgen that supports hormone balance.
Common Adrenal Gland Disorders
An Adrenal Gland Disorders endocrinologist may evaluate and treat conditions such as:
- Addison’s disease / adrenal insufficiency
- Cushing syndrome or Cushing disease
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Adrenal tumors or adrenal incidentalomas
Hilltop Endocrinology specifically lists adrenal adenomas, adrenal insufficiency, Cushing disease, and hyperaldosteronism among the conditions it treats.
When Should You Visit an Endocrinologist for Your Adrenal Glands
If symptoms are ongoing, unexplained, or involve multiple body systems, that is often when to see an endocrinologist for adrenal issues.
Persistent Symptoms
Common adrenal gland disorder symptoms to see a doctor include:
- Chronic fatigue or muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Severe dizziness, especially when standing
- Low blood pressure
- Salt cravings
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Skin changes or abnormal hair growth
These symptoms may overlap with other hormone disorders, which is why a targeted endocrine evaluation matters. Adrenal insufficiency, for example, can cause fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, weight loss, depression, and cravings for salty foods.
Emergency Red Flags
Seek urgent medical care for signs of a possible adrenal crisis, such as:
- Severe vomiting
- Intense abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Sudden severe weakness
Adrenal crisis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
If several of these symptoms are present, consult an Endocrinologist for Adrenal Glands at Hilltop Endocrinology for focused diagnostic care.
How Endocrinologists Diagnose Adrenal Problems
A primary care doctor may suspect an adrenal issue, but an adrenal insufficiency specialist uses more specific hormone testing and follow-up evaluation to confirm the cause. Diagnostic workup may include:
- Blood tests for cortisol, ACTH, and aldosterone
- ACTH stimulation testing
- Electrolyte and related hormone panels
- CT or MRI when an adrenal growth or structural issue is suspected
NIDDK notes that adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed with hormone blood tests and, when needed, imaging to help identify the cause.
Treatment Approaches by an Endocrinologist
Treatment depends on the type of adrenal disorder and whether the body is producing too little or too much hormone. Care may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Stress-dose medication planning during illness or surgery
- Treatment of underlying hormone excess
- Long-term monitoring and follow-up labs
- Coordinated care for related endocrine conditions
At Hilltop Endocrinology, adrenal care can also connect with related metabolic and endocrine services, including Obesity and Thyroid Treatment when appropriate. The clinic provides evidence-based, personalized care for hormonal and metabolic disorders specifically for endocrine related causes for weight gain.
Why Choose Hilltop Endocrinology
Choosing the right adrenal endocrinologist near me is essential for accurate diagnosis and long-term care. Hilltop Endocrinology provides:
- Specialized endocrine expertise in adrenal, thyroid, diabetes, and metabolic disorders
- Personalized treatment plans based on detailed hormone testing and clinical evaluation
- Comprehensive care that addresses overlapping conditions such as obesity and thyroid imbalance
- Modern diagnostic tools for precise and efficient evaluation
- Patient-centered approach focused on long-term health outcomes
About Dr. Kehinde Folawewo
Dr. Kehinde Folawewo is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. She completed her fellowship training at Howard University Hospital and has extensive experience managing complex hormone conditions, including adrenal disorders, thyroid disease, diabetes, and obesity.
She is known for providing evidence-based, patient-focused endocrine care, with an emphasis on accurate diagnosis and long-term management of hormonal imbalances.
Take the Next Step Toward Expert Endocrine Care
Ignoring ongoing symptoms can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. Adrenal disorders require specialized evaluation, and early care can prevent complications and improve long-term health.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Folawewo for Adrenal Glands disorder at Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology and receive expert, personalized care from Dr. Kehinde Folawewo and her team.
FAQs
What questions should be asked at the first adrenal visit?
Ask what condition is being considered, which hormone tests are needed, whether symptoms could reflect adrenal insufficiency or hormone excess, and what the follow-up plan will be.
Can adrenal disorders be cured?
Some adrenal disorders can be managed long term rather than fully cured. The outcome depends on the diagnosis, cause, and how early treatment begins.
How long does adrenal diagnosis take?
Some blood tests are completed quickly, but diagnosis may take longer if dynamic testing, imaging, or repeat hormone testing is needed.
What is the difference between a primary care doctor and an endocrinologist?
A primary care doctor may identify early warning signs, but an endocrinologist specializes in hormone-producing glands and advanced endocrine testing.
How do I find an adrenal endocrinologist near me?
Look for a fellowship-trained endocrinologist with experience managing adrenal insufficiency, Cushing disease, hyperaldosteronism, and adrenal adenomas.
