My disease too started out with just one medication and gradually progressed over time. As the disease process continues the symptoms continue to progress then more and more medications are needed. Even though the overwhelming majority of adrenal tumors are benign, many of them cause significant and often dramatic symptoms because they produce excess adrenal hormones. Adrenal tumors that produce hormones ALWAYS NEED TO BE REMOVED because the excess hormones can cause toxic effects to your body, make you feel miserable and cause early death. The adrenal glands produce the deadliest hormones in your entire body. Too much adrenal hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol and catecholamines (adrenaline-type hormones; epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) can create very toxic effects on the body long term.
Adrenal tumors that make too much hormone are called “functioning” or “endocrine-active” tumors. Aldosterone producing adrenocortical tumors cause primary hyperaldosteronism (also called Conn's Syndrome, whereas cortisol producing adrenocortical tumors cause primary hypercortisolism or Cushing's Syndrome. Catecholamine (epinephrine and adrenaline) producing adrenal tumors cause pheochromocytoma. Any functioning adrenal tumor should be removed by surgery (adrenalectomy). There are other less common adrenal tumors such as those that are sex-hormone-producing, adrenocortical cancer (ACC) and metastasis to the adrenal gland.
I will continue to keep you updated on my progress!!
Thanks
Dawn