Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones (chemicals produced by the body that regulate organ function), primarily cortisol, but may also include impaired aldosterone production (a mineralcorticoid) which regulates sodium, potassium and water retention.[1][2] Craving for salt or salty foods due to the urinary losses of sodium is common.[3]
Addison’s disease is the worst degree of adrenal insufficiency, which if not treated, severe abdominal pains, diarrhea, vomiting, profound muscle weakness and fatigue, extremely low blood pressure, weight loss, kidney failure, changes in mood and personality and shock may occur (adrenal crisis).[4] An adrenal crisis often occurs if the body is subjected to stress, such as an accident, injury, surgery, or severe infection. Death may quickly follow.[4].
Adrenal insufficiency can also occur when the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, both located at the base of the skull, doesn’t make adequate amounts of the hormones that assist in regulating adrenal function.[1][5][6] This is called secondary adrenal insufficiency and is caused by lack of production of ACTH in the pituitary or lack of CRH in the hypothalamus.[7]
There are two major types of adrenal insufficiency. Primary adrenal insufficiency is due to impairment of the adrenal glands. The most common subtype is called idiopathic or unknown cause of adrenal insufficiency. Some are due to an autoimmune disease called Addison’s disease or autoimmune adrenalitis. Other cases are due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia or an adenoma (tumor) of the adrenal gland.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency is caused by impairment of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.[8] These can be due to a form of cancer: a pituitary microadenoma, a pituitary macroadenoma, or a hypothalamic tumor; Sheehan’s syndrome, which is associated with impairment of only the pituitary gland; or a past head injury.
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