It affects 110–144 of every 1 million people in developed countries. Primary adrenal insufficiency is also known as Addison's disease, named after the doctor who described this condition.They produce important hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline and androgens.Īdrenal insufficiency can be primary (about 1 in 4 cases) or secondary (about 3 in 4 cases): Your adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys. You also need to carry a corticosteroid injection with you at all times in case you have an adrenal crisis, where your body doesn't produce enough hormones to cope with a stressful event.Īdrenal insufficiency is an endocrine, or hormonal, disorder that occurs when your adrenal glands don't produce enough of certain hormones.

Adrenal insufficiency is treated using medicines to replace the missing hormones.Symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, abdominal pain and low blood pressure. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are often vague and come on gradually.It is caused by either damage to your adrenal glands (Addison's disease or primary adrenal insufficiency), or when your pituitary gland doesn't produce enough of a specific hormone (secondary adrenal insufficiency).Adrenal insufficiency can affect people of any age or gender.What is the treatment for adrenal insufficiency?.How is adrenal insufficiency diagnosed?.What are the causes of adrenal insufficiency?.What are the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency?.On this page, you can find the following information: You can take medicine to replace the missing hormones and live a normal, active life. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when your body doesn't produce enough of certain hormones.

Adrenal insufficiency symptoms