Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly cortisol. Cortisol controls the body’s stress response, including controlling blood pressure, the immune system, energy levels and the body’s ability to break down carbohydrates, protein, and fats. 

There are two forms of the condition, primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Primary adrenal insufficiency also called Addison’s disease, occurs when the glands do not produce enough cortisol. More commonly diagnosed is secondary adrenal insufficiency,  which is caused by a pituitary gland problem. In this case, pituitary gland does not produce enough of the hormone adrenocorticotropin, which is responsible for signaling the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. 

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite, low blood pressure, darkening skin, low blood sugar, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle or joint pain, depression, irritability, and body hair loss. 

Commonly prescribed drug classes used to treat adrenal insufficiency are systemic corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, prednisone, and fludrocortisone.