Understanding Adrenal Insufficiency - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Dr.Monika Sharma, 2 mins read

Introduction

Have you ever had persistent tiredness and dizziness despite taking adequate rest and eating well? These symptoms could point to something more serious, and can be the signs of adrenal insufficiency. The disease affects how our body handles stress, energy, and even basic functions like blood pressure. Many times the condition is often overlooked.

The disease can affect anyone, and many people live with it without even knowing. In this blog, we will let you know about the symptoms and about its early treatment, which can make a huge difference in quality of life.

What does adrenal insufficiency mean?

Adrenal insufficiency is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands, located on top of your kidneys, do not produce enough essential hormones, primarily cortisol and, in few cases, aldosterone. Cortisol is the hormone which plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, blood sugar, immune response, and stress, while aldosterone controls blood pressure and salt balance.

It is of two types:

• Primary Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease): This occurs when the adrenal glands are directly damaged.
• Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: This occurs when the pituitary gland doesn’t send enough signals (ACTH) to the adrenal glands.

Symptoms:

Adrenal insufficiency can develop gradually or suddenly, and its symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions like chronic fatigue or depression. Common signs are:

• Chronic fatigue 
• Muscle weakness
• Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
• Low blood pressure
• Salt cravings
• Nausea & vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Skin darkening (in Addison’s disease)
• Mood changes
  

If left untreated, adrenal insufficiency can lead to an adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. 

Causes:

• Addison’s Disease: It is often caused by autoimmune destruction of adrenal tissue, infections like tuberculosis, or rare genetic conditions.
• Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: It is usually caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications or diseases affecting the pituitary gland, such as tumors or brain surgery.
  

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of  adrenal insufficiency involves a combination of:

• Blood tests to check cortisol and ACTH levels
  
• ACTH stimulation test can be done to assess adrenal function
  
• MRI or CT scans can be performed to evaluate the adrenal or pituitary glands
  

Treatment:

This typically includes:

• Corticosteroid medications like hydrocortisone or prednisone to replace cortisol
  
• Fludrocortisone to replace aldosterone, if needed
  
• Lifestyle adjustments such as managing stress, avoiding strenuous activities during illness, and carrying a medical alert bracelet

Takeaway!

Adrenal insufficiency is a serious but manageable condition. If you have been experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or frequent dizziness, you can consult our expert endocrinologist at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, for personalised guidance and treatment.