Adrenal Disorders

Adrenal disorders affect the adrenal glands, which create steroid hormones and cortisol, most commonly known as the stress hormone. These hormones help control blood sugar levels, as well as aid in digestion, cardiovascular systems and response to stress.

Adrenal disorders, also called adrenal insufficiency (AI), are rare but serious health conditions that affect the adrenal glands’ ability to create steroid hormones. There are two main types of AI: primary AI and secondary AI.

Primary AI, or Addison’s disease

Primary AI is also known as Addison’s disease. This is a rare condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. Most often, Addison’s disease affects cortisol production, but it can also affect the production of other steroids as well.

Most of the time, Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune disease that damages the adrenal glands, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Secondary AI

Secondary AI is more common, and it affects the pituitary gland. Normally, the pituitary gland tells the adrenal glands to create cortisol. In secondary AI, this connection is interrupted, so the adrenal glands don’t get the signal to make the hormone.

Like Addison’s disease, secondary AI may be caused by an autoimmune disorder, but any condition that affects the pituitary gland may cause secondary AI. In some cases, certain medications, surgery or radiation cancer treatments may cause secondary AI.

Is adrenal fatigue real?

Recently, there’s been discussion in alternative medicine blogs and magazines about something called “adrenal fatigue” — the idea that the adrenal glands can work too hard and stop producing important hormones. This is not an actual condition. The adrenal gland cannot become “fatigued” or lose its function due to stress.

Symptoms such as brain fog, feeling very tired, having a hard time managing stress, getting sick a lot, and craving unhealthy foods are often blamed on adrenal fatigue, but they’re also signs of many other physical and mental health conditions. Your primary care provider or an endocrinologist can help you understand your symptoms and find the best treatment.

Symptoms of adrenal disorders

Symptoms of adrenal disorders include:

• Decreased appetite or appetite changes (some patients with primary AI crave salty foods)
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness upon standing
• Muscle and joint pain and/or weakness
• Weight loss

If someone has an adrenal disorder, they may experience a potentially fatal medical emergency called adrenal crisis that occurs when the body does not have enough cortisol. Adrenal crises are most common in people with primary AI. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure

Treating adrenal disorders

Adrenal disorders require regular monitoring and treatment with medications. In some cases, your medication may need to be adjusted during times of stress. Working closely with an endocrinologist helps patients ensure they receive the individualized treatment they need.

If you or someone you love has an adrenal disorder, always wear a medical bracelet or tag to let people know, and learn the signs of adrenal crisis so you can seek immediate treatment.