How to Treat Temporary Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands, which are a pair of glands above the kidneys, stop producing enough hormones. This can lead to low blood sugar, weight loss, dehydration, and, in some cases, an emergency condition known as adrenal crisis. Secondary adrenal insufficiency happens when there is a problem with the pituitary, which produces a hormone which stimulates the adrenal gland. These types of problems may be temporary and go away once the underlying condition has been treated.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cause. Temporary secondary adrenal insufficiency can be caused by a variety of conditions, including some medications, immune system reactions, or other conditions (such as Sheehan's syndrome). When treating temporary secondary adrenal insufficiency, it is important to be aware of the underlying cause and to monitor that as well.

• 2

  Replace the glucocorticoids. The most common way of treating this is with administration of hydrocortisone (also known as Cortef), either orally or through an IV.

• 3

  Replace other pituitary hormones. Because secondary adrenal insufficiency can also lead to abnormally low levels of other hormones from the pituitary. These hormones may also need to be replaced.

• 4

  Be watchful for an adrenal crisis. Adrenal crisis occurs when the levels of adrenal hormones become dangerously low, which can lead to shock and very low blood pressure. This may occur early over the course of the disease or when treatments are being adjusted.

• 5

  Monitor levels of cortisol and other adrenal hormones. This is especially important with temporary adrenal insufficiency, as the amount of hydrocortisone may need to be adjusted or even eliminated as the underlying condition improves.