Adrenal Insufficiency- Disease of the adrenal glands, resulting in the lack of cortisol production. Can also result in lack of DHEA, aldosterone and disrupt the balance of endocrine hormones, electrolyte balances and blood sugar levels.
Primary Addison’s disease- Autoimmune disease resulting in the
destruction of the adrenal glands, rendering them unable to
produce proper amounts of cortisol, DHEA & Aldosterone.
Secondary Adrenal Insuffiency- When the pituitary gland does
not produce the hormone ATCH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
resulting in the lack of cortisol production in the adrenal glands.
Tertiary Adrenal Insuffiency- When the hypothalamus fails to
release CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) which stimulates the
production of ACTH by the pituitary gland.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)- Genetic disorder present from birth that impairs the adrenal glands. CAH patients lack the enzymes the adrenal glands use to produce hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure and other essential functions.
Body Chemicals Affected in Adrenal Insuffiency-
Cortisol– Glucocorticoid hormone: The body’s stress hormone.
Aldosterone– Mineralocorticoid hormone: Regulates electrolyte balances by instructing the kidney to release potassium and retain sodium.
DHEA– Hormone that aids in the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones)
(Blood sugar levels and electrolytes can also be impacted)
The primary diagnostic tests that endocrinologists use to diagnose adrenal disease:
ACTH stimulation test- Measures how well the adrenal glands respond to the release of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When this test is done, blood is drawn prior to injection of ACTH, then at 30 minute intervals for a few hours to test your adrenal response to the ACTH. If your cortisol levels do not rise properly, you are then diagnosed with adrenal insuffiency.
Dexamethasone Suppression Test- Tests adrenal gland function by measuring how cortisol levels change in response to the steroid dexamethasone. This test has historically been used to diagnose depression as well.
8am Cortisol Blood Draw- Your body’s natural cortisol levels should be the highest in the morning, according to your body’s circadian rhythm. If your AM levels are low, it indicates an adrenal issue.
(Saliva and urine tests are also performed, but are not as widely accepted for diagnostic criteria)
Most people understand what diabetes is. Diabetes is the lack of the appropriate amount of insulin. Diabetics have to be vigilant of their blood sugar levels and manage their disease with insulin shots/pumps. This is very similar to Adrenal Disease. Just the like the diabetic, the AI patient has to have an external source for their deficiency, but instead of insulin- we replace cortisol. Unfortunately, unlike the diabetics, we have no meter to check our cortisol levels. We have to physically watch our symptoms and stress dose or use an emergency injection if we drop too low. Lack of cortisol is DEADLY. An adrenal crisis will occur if an AI patient does not have cortisol replacement.
An adrenal crisis presents differently for everyone,
depending on which form of AI the person has.
Some possible symptoms are-
Blood Pressure/Heart Rate Changes, Weakness, Vomiting, Trouble Breathing, Anxiety, Flank/Back Pain,
Mental changes. These are not the only symptoms-
Everyone presents differently. It is important to always
wear a medical alert bracelet and have an emergency injection with you AT ALL TIMES.
Adrenal Crisis WILL result in death if left untreated.
Treatment of AI-
Medications such as Prednisone, Dexamethasone & Hydrocortisone replace the steroid hormone, cortisol in the body.
The medication Florinef (Fludrocortisone) is used to treat the lack of aldosterone in the body. Not everyone with AI needs this medication, it is mainly used in primary addison’s disease patients.
Side Note- Everyone is different! Not all steroids work for everyone!
Find the right one for YOU with your endocrinologist!
Managing adrenal disease is different for everyone,
but the absolute essentials for EVERY AI patient are-
Daily Replacement Cortisol Medication
Proper rest, hydration, stress management and nutrition.
Knowing the signs of low cortisol (there is no meter to check blood levels)
Respecting the physical limits of your body
Having an Emergency Injection of Cortisol at all times
Wearing a medical alert bracelet at all times
Adrenal disease certainly presents with it’s own unique challenges,
but it is not impossible to live a happy life with A.I.
Proper self care, medication and stress
management is imperative to living
the best life possible.
To read more about how to manage adrenal disease click here- The Care and Keeping of Adrenal Disease
This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Consult your health care provider before starting or stopping any medical treatment.
I am NOT a doctor, nor do I claim to be. I am simply an adrenal insufficient woman who has done much research to understand adrenal disease and seeks to help others understand as well.
Wishing you all hope & healing. Love, Win <3
Read more from Winslow E. Dixon
2 Replies to “Understanding Adrenal Disease”
Great article! I love how you put that every person is different as that is so true. I enjoy reading your blog and how you work so hard to raise awareness. There are so many that will find fault and pick words apart and things. Just remind yourself to not give up. When i first started making Adrenal memes and posters, each one I made was picked apart and I felt like stopping and giving up. All my efforts and time wasnt being appreciated I felt. However now Ive made over 700 memes and have figured out it is not about people appreciating what I do but that my works were raising awareness, and they were. So delete the bad and forget it and remember the good and keep going. You cant always make everyone happy. The reason Im telling you all this, is that i see your blog as very inspirational and dont want to see you quitting or giving up in frustration like so many do. Very few can handle the negatives and keep going.
I also like how you make these blog post so simple and not too long, a big plus!