Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the general function of the cortex region is disrupted as a result of autoimmune processes, infection or bleeding in the adrenal glands. The adrenal cortex produces three major classes of steroid hormones, namely cortisol, aldosterone and androgens. As a result, the body loses its ability to adequately control blood pressure and stress and the patient undergoes complications such as fatigue, anxiety and mood disorders, according to The Environmental Illness Resource.
Treating Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia means abnormally low blood sugar. It occurs when the blood cannot metabolize blood glucose properly. An exhausted adrenal gland does not produce enough cortisol, a stress hormone, which counteracts the blood-sugar lowering hormone called insulin.
Very low concentrations of cortisol promote the insulin levels, as a result the blood glucose levels fall below normal. Therefore, the treatment of hypoglycemia will help restore the adrenal health in some degree, according to The Environmental Illness Resource.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, for adrenal insufficiency involves replacing or substituting the hormones that a depressed adrenal gland cannot sufficiently produce. HRT leads to rapid normalization of adrenal hormones in patients with newly diagnosed adrenal insufficiency. Oral hydrocortisone is the drug of choice for restoring the natural cortisol that is missing. It is taken once or twice a day. Oral fludrocortisone is the most common prescription hormone supplement for lost aldosterone, according to PubMed.gov.
Nutrients
A number of nutrients have been identified that help prevent fatigue and exhaustion in persons who are under physical stress. For example, Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract most efficiently, and is stored in high amounts in the adrenal glands, according to The Environmental Illness Resource. Vitamin B5 is involved in the cellular biosynthesis of coenzyme A, also known as CoA. This is an important coenzyme in various biochemical reactions that sustain life. Vitamin B5 and its derivatives are required for the chemical reactions for producing steroids hormones in the adrenal glands.
