What is Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition where your adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones, especially cortisol. Cortisol helps your body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, and use energy properly.
This condition can develop when the adrenal glands themselves are damaged or when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to produce hormones.
Causes may include:
- Autoimmune damage to the adrenal glands
- Long-term use of steroid medications
- Problems with the pituitary or hypothalamus
- Infections or tumors affecting hormone-producing glands
In severe cases, the condition can lead to an adrenal crisis, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Symptoms
Adrenal insufficiency can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms may develop slowly and worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Ongoing fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weight loss or low appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Craving salty foods
- Low blood sugar
Some people may also notice darkened skin, especially with Addison’s disease. Women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle.
How is it diagnosed?
Your provider will review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam.
Testing usually includes blood, urine, or saliva tests to measure hormone levels and check electrolyte balance. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs may be used to look at the adrenal or pituitary glands. Additional testing may help identify the underlying cause.
How is it treated?
Treatment focuses on replacing the hormones your body isn’t making.
Most people take daily corticosteroid medications to restore cortisol levels. Some may also need additional medication to help balance sodium and potassium.
Care typically starts with the lowest effective treatment and is adjusted over time. During illness, injury, or surgery, medication doses may need to increase.
In emergencies, treatment may include IV fluids and medications. With proper care, many people manage this condition successfully, but treatment is usually lifelong.
