What Is Adrenal Suppression?

Adrenal suppression is a result of inadequate amounts of hormones being produced by the adrenal glands. The disorder also is called adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease. Treatment involves replacing the hormones your adrenal glands no longer produce.

Types

• The adrenal glands sit just above both kidneys and have two sections, the outer layer called the cortex, and the inner layer called the medulla. The medulla produces hormones for adrenaline, and the cortex produces hormones such as glucocorticoids that turn food into energy and help the body respond to stress. Primary adrenal suppression occurs when the cortex is damaged and can no longer produce enough hormones. Secondary adrenal suppression occurs when the pituitary gland is damaged. The pituitary gland stimulates the cortex to produce hormones, and when it stops functioning, the cortex produces insufficient amounts of hormones for the body.

Causes

• Primary adrenal suppression normally is caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks healthy cortex tissue. Other causes may include adrenal gland infection, tuberculosis, cancer that has spread to the adrenal glands and genetic defect. Secondary adrenal suppression may be associated with an abrupt ceasing of corticosteroid medications such as prednisone.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of adrenal suppression include weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood sugar, salt cravings, joint pains, depression and darkening of the skin. Signs of an adrenal failure, also called Addisonian crisis, include severe vomiting, dehydration, pain in the legs, stomach and lower back, loss of consciousness and low blood pressure.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests will measure the amount of sodium, potassium and cortisol in your blood, indicating if adrenal glands are functioning properly. A CT scan reveals any abnormalities in the adrenal or pituitary glands.

Treatment

• Adrenal suppression treatment consists of replacing cortisol that is not being produced adequately by the adrenal glands. The medication Cortef replaces the hormone cortisol, and Florinef replaces the hormone aldosterone that controls blood pressure, potassium and sodium in the body. Adrenal failure treatment consists of hospitalization with intravenous injections of saline, sugar and hydrocortisone.

Considerations

• Always keep a medical alert card with you in case emergency treatment is needed. Have extra medicine on hand, as missing even a day may put you in a dangerous medical position. Adjustments on your medication may be necessary to find the right amount for your needs.