Overactive Adrenal Glands in Adults: Understanding LOCAH and Its Connection to Anxiety

Finding elevated levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in a blood test can be indicative of late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH), a condition characterized by overactive adrenal glands. This is particularly significant for individuals with intractable or hard-to-treat anxiety, as well as females experiencing anxiety and signs of excessive testosterone.

DHEAS, an 'anxiogenic neuroactive steroid,' has been found to contribute to anxiety by acting on the brain. In people with LOCAH, DHEAS levels are often elevated due to its overproduction in the adrenal gland. This hormone is secreted into the bloodstream, where it can cause anxiety.

The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in producing cortisol, the primary hormone that helps us cope with chronic stress. However, in individuals with LOCAH, the gland may become enlarged (hyperplasia) to compensate for its initial dysfunction. This process occurs when cholesterol enters one side of the adrenal gland and undergoes a series of biochemical transformations before being released into the circulation as cortisol.

LOCAH is a condition that can manifest during the 'tween' years, around 9-12 years old, due to an inherited genetic predisposition. As individuals mature, their adrenal glands develop and become more active, leading to symptoms such as anxiety and excessive testosterone in females.

As a healthcare provider who has cared for numerous patients with LOCAH, I have witnessed firsthand how this condition can contribute to anxiety. In many cases, anxiety is caused or exacerbated by the inherited condition involving overactive adrenal gland function. Therefore, it is essential to consider LOCAH as a potential underlying cause of anxiety in adults and to investigate DHEAS levels in blood tests.

In summary, 'overactive adrenal glands in adults' can be an underlying cause of anxiety in individuals with LOCAH. By understanding the connection between DHEAS levels and anxiety, healthcare providers can better diagnose and treat this condition, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Overactive adrenal glands in adults