Adrenal Disorders

John Falcone, M.D., is a New York–based endocrinologist specializing in the comprehensive diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders. He works closely with patients to evaluate hormone imbalances, identify underlying adrenal conditions, and restore hormonal stability. Learn how his personalized, evidence-based approach can help you effectively manage adrenal disorders, reduce symptoms, and support long-term endocrine health and overall well-being.

What Are Adrenal Disorders?

Adrenal disorders are conditions that affect the adrenal glands—two small, triangular glands located on top of each kidney. Despite their size, the adrenal glands play a critical role in regulating essential body functions. They produce hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which help control metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, stress adaptation, and fluid balance.

When the adrenal glands produce too little or too much of these hormones, the result is an adrenal disorder. Common adrenal conditions include Adrenal Insufficiency, Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s Disease, and other forms of cortisol excess. These disorders can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated, but they are manageable with proper medical care.

What Are the Causes of Adrenal Disorders?

Adrenal disorders arise from a variety of causes, depending on whether hormone production is decreased or excessive.

Adrenal Insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone. This may result from autoimmune damage, infections, genetic conditions, long-term steroid use, or suppression of adrenal function due to pituitary disease.

Addison’s Disease is a specific form of primary adrenal insufficiency most often caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands. Less common causes include infections (such as tuberculosis), adrenal hemorrhage, or metastatic cancer.

Cushing’s Disease is caused by excess cortisol production due to a pituitary tumor that overstimulates the adrenal glands. More broadly, cortisol excess (Cushing’s syndrome) may also result from adrenal tumors or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.

Because symptoms—such as fatigue, weight changes, blood pressure abnormalities, mood changes, and muscle weakness—can be nonspecific, adrenal disorders are often underdiagnosed without specialized evaluation.

What Are the Treatments for Adrenal Disorders?

Treatment of adrenal disorders depends on the underlying cause and the specific hormones involved.

For adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease, treatment typically involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy to restore normal cortisol and aldosterone levels. Patients are also educated on stress dosing during illness or surgery to prevent adrenal crisis.

For Cushing’s disease and cortisol excess, treatment focuses on reducing cortisol levels. This may include surgery to remove pituitary or adrenal tumors, medications that suppress cortisol production, or radiation therapy when surgery is not possible.

With appropriate treatment and monitoring, most patients experience significant symptom improvement and can lead active, healthy lives.

How Dr. John Falcone Can Help You with Adrenal Disorders?

Dr. John Falcone provides expert evaluation and management of adrenal disorders using a personalized, evidence-based approach. He emphasizes accurate diagnosis through comprehensive hormonal testing and imaging when necessary. Dr. Falcone works closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans, monitor long-term hormone balance, and adjust therapy as life circumstances change.

By combining clinical expertise with patient education and ongoing support, Dr. Falcone helps patients gain clarity, stability, and confidence in managing adrenal disorders effectively.

Meet Dr. John Falcone

Dr. John Falcone is a Weill Cornell-trained Endocrinologist with the highest caliber medical education, training, board certifications and specialization for disorders and conditions of the endocrine system, practicing in the Upper East Side of NYC. Dr. Falcone places an emphasis on comprehensive care that focuses on treating a patient as a whole person with individualized treatment plans and taking the approach of maintaining health through prevention.

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