Adrenal Insufficiency

By: arpita

• Health Ailments

March 16, 2010

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Adrenal insufficiency develops when the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient adrenal hormones. The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands regulate several prominent body functions. The outer layer of the adrenal gland, known as the adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroid hormones, androgen hormones and aldosterone hormone. The adrenal medulla, which is the inner layer of the gland, produces epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones.

Functions of adrenal hormones

The two corticosteroid hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are known as hydrocortisone hormone or cortisol and corticosterone. Cortisol regulates the carbohydrate, protein and fat usage. Corticosterone prevents inflammation. By regulating excretion of sodium and potassium, aldosterone helps to retain the sodium and water balance in the body.

The adrenaline or epinephrine hormone is needed for contraction of the heart muscles, relaxation of smooth muscles, blood circulation in the muscles and brains and for converting glycogen into glucose.

Norepinephrine is largely associated with vasoconstriction or pushing up the blood pressure.

Causes of adrenal insufficiency

Disorder of the adrenal glands causes primary adrenal insufficiency. If the pituitary gland fails to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone, the adrenal glands will fail to perform their hormone secretion activity, resulting in secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Primary adrenal insufficiency might develop if the adrenal cortex cells are destroyed by the immune cells. Tuberculosis and chronic fungal infections could reduce the adrenal gland’s ability to secrete hormones.

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency

The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency progresses slowly. People suffering from adrenal insufficiency often tend to miss the early symptoms of the disease.

Chronic fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness and poor appetite are the common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. People suffering from adrenal insufficiency might even experience dizziness, irritation, anxiety, depression, low blood glucose level, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular menstruation, skin pigmentation and hair loss.

Adrenal insufficiency treatment

Adrenal insufficiency is treated with hormone replacement. Hydrocortisone pills are recommended for treating cortisol deficiency. To restore the aldosterone level, mineralocorticoid tablets are prescribed.

People suffering from adrenal insufficiency should increase intake of salt, proteins and complex carbohydrates. They should consume plenty of water. The medications used for treating adrenal insufficiency could cause gastric irritation. To prevent gastric irritation, the steroid medications should be taken after drinking a glass of milk or immediately after meals.

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