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What Is Adrenal Insufficiency and How Does It Affect Your Body?
Published: Dec 05, 2023
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when your body can't produce enough of certain vital hormones. This condition can stem from problems in different parts of your body, leading to various symptoms and health issues.
Types of Adrenal Insufficiency
There are three main types of adrenal insufficiency: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary adrenal insufficiency affects the adrenal glands directly. Secondary type involves the pituitary gland, which controls the adrenals. Tertiary adrenal insufficiency originates in the hypothalamus, the brain's command center for hormones.
Symptoms and Effects
Adrenal insufficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and low blood pressure. You might also experience nausea, vomiting, and skin darkening. In severe cases, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called an adrenal crisis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose adrenal insufficiency through blood tests and stimulation tests that measure hormone levels. Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy to supplement the hormones your body can't produce. You'll need to take these medications daily and may require additional doses during times of stress or illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's typically managed with lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Chronic stress doesn't cause true adrenal insufficiency.
It's relatively rare, affecting about 1 in 100,000 people.
Living with Adrenal Insufficiency
While adrenal insufficiency is a serious condition, with proper treatment and management, most people can lead normal, active lives.
References
- Grossman AB. Clinical Review#: The diagnosis and management of central hypoadrenalism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:4855.
- Charmandari E, Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. Adrenal insufficiency. Lancet 2014; 383:2152-2167.
- Bornstein SR, Allolio B, Arlt W, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:364-389.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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