The adrenal glands produce different types of hormones that affect a variety of body functions. Inadequate production of the adrenal hormones is called adrenal insufficiency, sometimes referred to as adrenal gland weakness. Adrenal tissue damage due to an autoimmune attack, decreased blood supply, cancerous invasion or infection leads to primary adrenal insufficiency, or Addison's disease. Lack of adrenal gland stimulation causes secondary adrenal insufficiency. Diverse symptoms occur with adrenal insufficiency, which signal a problem with hormone production.
Decreased Energy and Fatigue
Decreased energy and chronic fatigue are among the most common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, reports the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Inadequate production of the adrenal hormone cortisol provokes these symptoms. Cortisol affects many body functions, including metabolism of sugars, proteins and fats, which fuel the body's activities. Loss of energy and progressive fatigue occur with both primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Adrenal insufficiency often causes gastrointestinal disturbances such as intermittent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite, notes the website The Merck Manuals. Unintentional weight loss may accompany these symptoms.
Muscle Weakness
Abnormal sugar metabolism associated with insufficient cortisol production adversely affects muscle function by limiting the availability of glucose to fuel muscle activity. People with primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency commonly experience muscle weakness.
Dizziness Upon Standing
The adrenal glands produce aldosterone, which regulates the amount of water and salt conserved by the kidneys. Insufficient production of aldosterone provokes ongoing losses of water and salt, leading to persistent dehydration. Dehydration and the accompanying loss of liquid volume in the circulation leads to decreased blood pressure. People with adrenal insufficiency commonly experience dizziness upon standing, notes Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Blood pools in the legs upon standing, leaving a deficit of blood flow to the brain. Decreased brain blood flow manifests as dizziness.
Irritability and Depression
The numerous chemical imbalances associated with adrenal insufficiency can affect mood. People suffering from this disorder often exhibit increased irritability and may experience depression, reports the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Skin Discoloration
People with primary adrenal insufficiency have elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, which is produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate adrenal hormone production. ACTH and an associated increase in another pituitary chemical, beta lipotropin, stimulate the color-producing cells of the skin, explains The Merck Manuals. Under the influence of these substances, the skin darkens, similar to a suntan. Sun-exposed areas and skin folds exhibit the most pronounced darkening. New dark freckles may appear on the shoulders, neck and face. The nipples and skin inside the mouth and lips may exhibit a dark bluish tint. Notably, skin discoloration does not occur with secondary adrenal insufficiency.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease
- The Merck Manuals: Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
- The Merck Manuals: Addison's Disease (Primary or Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency)
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Addison's Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Addison's Disease
