Adrenal Insufficiency: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and produce several important hormones, such as cortisol, aldosterone, and male-type sex hormones called androgens.

Cortisol helps deal with stress/illness, and maintains blood pressure and blood sugar.

Aldosterone helps maintain salt and water balance.

Androgens are responsible for pubic hair and axillar hair.

What are the causes of adrenal insufficiency?

There are 2 different types of adrenal insufficiency:

1. Primary adrenal insufficiency in which the adrenal gland is unable to produce cortisol or aldosterone. For example: Addison disease, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

2. Secondary adrenal insufficiency, in which the pituitary gland is unable to send ACTH hormone to the adrenal gland, which then leads to low cortisol levels. For example: After craniopharyngioma surgery or brain irradiation

What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Muscle weakness

• Inability to recover quickly from illnesses

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• Failure to grow

• Sweating

• Salt craving

How is adrenal insufficiency treated?

Cortisol insufficiency is treated by hormone replacement with either hydrocortisone, prednisone, or other similar steroids.

Aldosterone deficiency is treated by a medicine called fludrocortisone.

Special precautions need to be taken to prevent and treat adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

If you are concerned about adrenal insufficiency in your child, call Dr. Gupta at 615-857-5110 to discuss and seek evaluation.