Hello,
Adrenal insufficiency is a disorder that occurs when the
adrenal glands don’t make enough of certain hormones.
These include cortisol, sometimes called the “
stress hormone,” which is essential for life.
The most common symptoms are fatigue,
muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and
abdominal pain.
Adrenal insufficiency results in a lack of essential hormones, and therefore treatment focuses on replacing or substituting those hormones.
Cortisol is replaced orally with tablets taken once or twice a day. Aldosterone is replaced with oral doses of a mineralocorticoid, called
fludrocortisone acetate, that are taken once a day.
Fludrocortisone helps to maintain the right levels of salt and fluids in the body.
Your doctor will talk to you first about your medical history and your signs and symptoms.
If your doctor thinks that you may have Addison's disease, you may undergo some tests such as blood test measuring your blood levels of sodium, potassium, cortisol and ACTH gives your doctor an initial indication of whether adrenal insufficiency may be causing your signs and symptoms.
I suggest consult your primary care physician or, if needed, an
endocrinologist who will first confirm the diagnosis before starting any medication.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Prabhash Verma, General & Family Physician