How to examine the adrenal glands
Disease description:
Recently, I've been feeling unwell and want to check my adrenal glands. How is this examination performed?
Evaluation of the adrenal glands typically includes blood tests, imaging studies, urine tests, and hormone stimulation tests. Blood tests measure levels of adrenal hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and epinephrine. Common imaging studies include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are used to examine the structure of the adrenal glands and detect tumors. Urine tests analyze levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the urine and can help diagnose conditions such as pheochromocytoma. Hormone stimulation tests, such as the ACTH stimulation test, are generally used to assess adrenal function.