Since the adrenal glands are directly affected, mineralocorticoid production is also reduced.

Primary adrenal insufficiency is due to impairment of the adrenal glands, resulting in a lack of glucocorticoid production.There are three major types of adrenal insufficiency, depending on the affected organ. This is called secondary adrenal insufficiency (when caused by lack of production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the pituitary gland) or tertiary adrenal insufficiency (when caused by lack of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalamus). Adrenal insufficiency can also occur when the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus do not produce adequate amounts of the hormones that assist in regulating adrenal function. adrenal dysgenesis), or enzyme deficiency (e.g. Addison's disease), failure of development (e.g. Īdrenal insufficiency can be caused by dysfunction of the adrenal gland itself, whether by destruction (e.g. An adrenal crisis may occur if the body is subjected to stress, such as an accident, injury, surgery, or severe infection this is a life-threatening medical condition resulting from severe deficiency of cortisol in the body. Deficiency of these hormones leads to symptoms ranging from abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness and fatigue, low blood pressure, depression, mood and personality changes (in mild cases) to organ failure and shock (in severe cases). These hormones are important in regulating blood pressure, electrolytes, and metabolism as a whole. The adrenal gland normally secretes glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol), mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone), and androgens.

Adrenocortical insufficiency, hypocorticalism, hypocortisolism, hypoadrenocorticism, hypocorticism, hypoadrenalismĪdrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones.

Adrenal problems symptoms