COMPARISON OF ADRENAL HYPERFUNCTION VS. HYPOFUNCTION
Area of Function
Fluid balance
Electrolytes
Cardiovascular
Cushing’s Disease (Hyper)
Overhydration,
hypervolemia, weight gain
Hypernatremia, hypokalemia
HTN, possible HF (from FVE)
Integumentary
Thin skin that bruises easily,
striae, hirsutism, poor wound
healing
Miscellaneous
Hyperglycemia, osteoporosis,
emotional lability, abnormal
fat deposits (truncal obesity,
moon face, fat pad on back
of neck-“buffalo hump”;
generalized weakness with
muscle wasting, possible
amenorrhea, impotence, or
decreased libido,
susceptibility to infection
Addison’s Disease (Hypo)
Dehydration, hypovolemia,
weight loss
Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia
Orthostatic hypotension,
tachycardia, dysrhythmias,
shock (hypovolemic)
Excess melatonin-stimulating
hormone, with skin
pigmentation (“eternal tan”),
delayed wound healing
Hypoglycemia, anorexia,
N/V/D, depression, lethargy,
emotional lability, confusion,
muscle weakness, muscle
and joint pain