Low cortisol levels, which result in Addison's disease, occur when the adrenal glands are damaged and insufficient amounts of human cortisol are produced. The adrenal glands are small glands located above the kidneys that secrete hormones responsible for controlling many of the body's functions. Thus, damage to the adrenal glands and resulting low cortisol can cause significant symptoms that include muscle weakness and fatigue, weight loss, skin darkening, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, joint pain and depression, states MayoClinic.com. A patient should understand the causes of low cortisol and seek treatment if necessary.
Autoimmune
According to MayoClinic.com, the most common cause of low cortisol levels is autoimmune-related. An autoimmune disease is one in which the body's immune system attacks its own organs, in this case, the adrenal glands. Researchers are not sure why the body's immune system attacks the adrenal glands. Over time, immune system cells attack and destroy the part of the adrenal gland that secretes cortisol, which results in low cortisol levels. In this case, a patient should seek the proper diagnosis and treatment from a physician to control the autoimmune reaction. In addition, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to replace low cortisol levels.
Infections
Medline Plus states that infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV or fungal infections, can cause low cortisol levels. This occurs because these infections can attack the adrenal glands and cause damage that results in low cortisol levels. A patient who has an infection and is experiencing signs of low cortisol should seek the proper diagnosis and treatment from a physician. First, the physician must identify and treat the infection that is damaging the adrenal glands. Then, he may prescribe corticosteroids to treat low cortisol levels.
Blood Loss
Hemorrhage, or massive blood loss, may cause low cortisol levels, according to MedlinePlus. This occurs because a hemorrhage may result in low blood flow to the adrenal glands. A decrease in blood flow can damage the adrenal glands because they are not receiving necessary oxygen and nutrients to function effectively. In this case, the primary cause of bleeding must be controlled to prevent further adrenal damage. After bleeding is controlled, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to help maintain cortisol levels in the bloodstream.
