How is adrenal insufficiency diagnosed?
- ACTH (cortisol) stimulation test
- Insulin tolerance test
More About Adrenal Insufficiency
About 80% of cases of Adrenal Insufficiency are caused by autoimmune disease. Other cases are caused by infection. Adrenal insufficiency occurs in slightly more women than men. In general about 1 in 100,000 individuals have adrenal insufficiency.
Symptoms:
- dehydration
- low blood pressure
- low blood sugar
- depression
- altered mental status
- increased skin pigmentation or bronzing
- salt cravings
- dizziness
- weight loss
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Adrenal insufficiency is the deficiency of one or more hormones made by the adrenal glands. Pituitary disoders can cause low levels of cortisol.
Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency
Cortisol is replaced orally with tablets taken once or twice a day. The usual medications are prednisone, hydrocortisone, or dexamethasone.