Endocrine Disorders: Pineal Gland, Adrenal Conditions, and Hormonal Symptoms

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Recurrent major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern usually beginning in fall and continuing into winter months.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that responds to darkness by causing sleepiness.

Hyperaldosteronism

Condition caused by excessive aldosterone, a steroid hormone made by the adrenal cortex that helps control the balance of water and salts in the kidney.

Addison's Disease

Primarily caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands, characterized by fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, darkening of the skin, and salt craving.

Cushing's Syndrome

Characterized by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, with symptoms including weight gain, thinning skin, easy bruising, muscle weakness, fatigue, and mood swings.

Hirsutism

Condition where women have thick, dark hair on their face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs.

Virilism

The appearance of male secondary sex characteristics (such as facial hair) in the female.