Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is when your adrenal glands do not produce enough important hormones, affecting energy levels, blood pressure, and overall body function.

Read our guide to: Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is when your adrenal glands do not produce enough important hormones, affecting energy levels, blood pressure, and overall body function.

Treatment and Care Options

Treatment for adrenal insufficiency is highly individualized and requires careful medical management. The primary goal is hormone replacement to mimic what the adrenal glands should be producing. Treatment typically involves daily oral medication to replace missing cortisol (glucocorticoid) and often aldosterone (mineralocorticoid). It is crucial to take these medications exactly as prescribed. Supportive care includes avoiding extreme stress and maintaining adequate salt intake, especially during illness. You should always carry emergency doses of injectable steroids and follow specific guidelines for sick day management.

What Causes Adrenal Insufficiency?

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, do not produce adequate amounts of vital hormones, such as cortisol. This problem can stem from several underlying conditions.

Autoimmune disorders, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands.
Overuse or misuse of steroid medications, which can suppress the adrenal glands' natural hormone production.
Infections, such as tuberculosis, or bleeding into the adrenal glands.
Viral infections or stress, which can temporarily impair hormone function.