Adrenal Insufficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When your adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. Also known as Addison's disease, it's not just about feeling tired—it's your body losing its natural stress response. Without enough cortisol, your body can't handle even small stressors like illness, injury, or emotional strain. This isn't rare. It shows up in people who’ve been on long-term steroids and suddenly stop, those with autoimmune damage to their adrenals, or after infections like tuberculosis that destroy adrenal tissue.

Adrenal insufficiency requires lifelong management. The core issue is low cortisol, the hormone that regulates metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. When cortisol drops, you get weakness, nausea, low blood pressure, and darkening skin. Left untreated, it can lead to an adrenal crisis, a life-threatening drop in blood pressure and shock—often triggered by infection, surgery, or missed doses. Many people mistake the symptoms for flu or burnout until they collapse. That’s why recognizing the pattern matters: chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, salt cravings, and dizziness when standing up are red flags.

Treatment isn’t complicated, but it’s non-negotiable. Most patients take daily steroid replacement, typically hydrocortisone or prednisone to mimic natural cortisol rhythms. Dosing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some need higher doses during illness or physical stress. Others need fludrocortisone to replace aldosterone and keep sodium and potassium balanced. Missing a dose isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Emergency kits with injectable hydrocortisone are standard for those at risk of adrenal crisis.

What you’ll find in this collection isn’t theory—it’s real-world guidance. You’ll see how adrenal insufficiency connects to other conditions like autoimmune disorders and long-term steroid use. You’ll learn how to spot early signs before they become emergencies. You’ll get clear advice on managing medication schedules, handling stress, and working with your doctor to avoid treatment gaps. These aren’t generic tips. They’re based on real patient experiences and clinical evidence. If you’re living with this condition—or caring for someone who is—this is the practical info you need to stay stable, safe, and in control.

Martin Kelly 19 November 2025 12

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