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What Is Adrenal Insufficiency?

Adrenal insufficiency, also known as hypocortisolism or Addison's disease, is a disorder that makes the body produce insufficient amount of hormones from the adrenal glands. Generally, too little cortisol and aldosterone are produced. Adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening disorder that can occur to anyone at any age, though it is most common in people who are between the ages of 30 and 50. If an individual with an adrenal insufficiency does not take hormones to replace what the adrenal glands are not producing, serious illness and even death can occur. Anyone who is experiencing any of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency should seek out medical care immediately.

  1. Gradual Onset/Symptoms

    • Individuals who are suffering from an adrenal insufficiency generally notice symptoms developing over a period of months. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, low blood pressure, cravings for salt, low blood sugar, darkening skin, irritability, depression and joint/muscle pain.

    Sudden Crisis Symptoms

    • A person with an adrenal insufficiency may go into what is called an "acute adrenal failure" commonly called an addisonian crisis in the medical community. An addisonian crisis can result from illness, infection, stress or injury and should be deemed a life-threatening medical emergency that could result in death if treatment is not obtained immediately. Symptoms appear suddenly and include pain in the abdomen, legs and lower back, diarrhea and severe vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and high potassium.

    Tests/Diagnosis

    • There are tests that can be performed to see if you have an adrenal insufficiency. Blood tests will be performed to measure the antibodies that are associated with Addison's disease. These tests will also measure the blood's potassium, sodium, cortisol and ACTH levels. Other testing can include imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scans, to see your adrenal and pituitary glands. An ACTH stimulation test may be performed. It involves receiving an injection of a synthetic ACTH and measuring the levels of cortisol in the blood before and after the injection. The results will help doctors determine if your adrenal glands are damaged.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for adrenal insufficiencies involves prescription corticosteroids. Individuals may take one or more hormones to replace the body's deficiency. Hormones must be taken daily and individuals who are ill or undergoing a major life stress may have their dosages temporarily increased. Individuals who become ill and who cannot hold down their oral medications will have to take injections. People who go into addisonian crisis will have to be intravenously injected with hydrocortisone, saline solution and dextrose.

    Considerations

    • People with adrenal insufficiencies should carry a medical alert card and wear medical alert jewelry such as a bracelet or necklace that identifies their condition. Missing a dose of medication is dangerous and extra medications should be kept on hand at all times. Injectable form of corticosteroids and syringes/needles should be kept for emergencies. People with adrenal insufficiencies are advised to maintain close, ongoing relationships with their doctors.

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