Adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening endocrine condition that can be treated by taking daily medication to replace the hormones, particularly cortisol, that are missing. People with adrenal insufficiency are steroid-dependent.

Addison's disease is a rare form of adrenal insufficiency.  Each type of adrenal insufficiency is slightly different.

An inherent complication with all types of this condition is the risk of a life-threatening adrenal crisis.  Treatment for this emergency is with a time-critical emergency injection of hydrocortisone, so people at risk of adrenal crisis must carry an emergency injection kit with them at all times.

We share information below, on all of these topics.

Everyone is different, but, depending on the impact of other health factors, quality of life can be affected. However, with the right balance of daily medication, people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency can expect to have a normal life span. 

The adrenal gland and what it does

The adrenal gland is a small gland that sits above your kidneys and produces vital steroid hormones that are essential for life and keep our body functioning correctly in many different ways. It is part of the body's endocrine (hormone) system.

Adrenal insufficiency describes when not enough of those vital hormones are produced, or they are no longer produced at all.

The 3 key hormones produced by the adrenal gland are cortisol, aldosterone and DHEA

What hormones are affected, and to what degree, depends on what type of adrenal insufficiency you have.   We have information on all three types of adrenal insufficiency.  Make sure to ask your doctor if you are not sure which type you have.

Types of adrenal insufficiency

Addison's disease (Primary adrenal insufficiency)

Named after Thomas Addison, the London doctor who first identified the condition, Addison's disease is also known as Primary adrenal insufficiency. It is a rare condition where the adrenal glands themselves stop working, so are unable to produce any of the essential hormones they usually would.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency

This is when the pituitary gland in the brain no longer sends the right signals to the adrenal glands to produce essential hormones, primarily cortisol. Production of the hormone aldosterone is not affected.

Tertiary adrenal insufficiency

This is where the adrenal glands are suppressed (go to sleep) after taking long-term steroid medication for another condition, so cortisol production is affected. Production of the hormone aldosterone is not affected. It may be temporary in some cases.

Booklet: What are Addison's and adrenal insufficiency?

For an overview of adrenal insufficiency, download and read our leaflet or purchase a copy from our online store.  We share the information to help you understand your condition, or to help those around you to understand it.  Particularly useful if you are newly diagnosed, or would like to share information with an employer, colleague, family or friends.

Download 'What are Addison's and adrenal insufficiency?'

Buy a copy of 'What are Addison's and adrenal insufficiency?'

What you need to know

Signs & Symptoms

People with adrenal insufficiency often report similar symptoms, regardless of which type they have. However, there are also some specific signs associated just with Addison's disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by hospital blood tests and an assessment of the symptoms. Suspected cases will be referred to see an endocrinologist, a doctor who specialises in treating hormone-related conditions.

Newly diagnosed?

Whether you have just been diagnosed, or have had adrenal insufficiency for some time, knowledge is power! Let us guide you through the key information that will support you to be aware, be prepared and be understood.

Treatment

All types of adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease, require daily oral medication to replace the steroid hormones (glucocorticoids) that are not being produced in sufficient amounts by the adrenal gland.

The main steroid hormone that is replaced is cortisol.  Replacement medication is taken several times each day, following a time-critical regimen.

In people with Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency), aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid) must also be replaced by taking a different daily medication.

Read more about medication and treatment

 

What is an adrenal crisis?

An adrenal crisis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the cortisol levels in the body are too low for it to continue to function. 

Adrenal crisis can occur with any type of adrenal insufficiency.

It requires a time-critical emergency treatment with an injection (or IV) of hydrocortisone (chemically the same as cortisol) to raise cortisol levels in the body.

Learn about adrenal crisis

Living with Addison's or another type of adrenal insufficiency?

Explore our 'Living with adrenal insufficiency' pages for more on medication, adrenal crisis management, your healthcare team and making others aware, so they can best support you.

Living with adrenal insufficiency

Learn from others experiences

It is possible to replace the hormones that your body is not producing with oral medication, and people with Addison's or a different type of adrenal insufficiency can have a normal life span and lead full and active lives.

Everyone is different, and depending on your overall health, age, other conditions, and your individual response to your condition, you may feel more or less well than someone else who shares your diagnosis.   If you are struggling with symptoms and side effects, know that you are not alone. Read articles written by our members sharing their experiences.

Explore our blog 

 

Explore our information

Become a member

Help grow the impact of the work of the ADSHG with your membership, and receive trusted information and support from the charity and its members.

Our 'new members' pack of leaflets, our newsletters, monthly member emails and twice-yearly magazines will keep you up-to-date and build your confidence in managing your condition or supporting a loved one to manage theirs.

Join our community today!

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Medical Terminology

It can quickly get confusing when you are learning the medical terminology that is used to describe your condition, diagnosis and treatment. Use our glossary to check what something means if you are not sure.

Famous people with Addison's disease

Addison's disease affects just 1 in 10,000 people in the UK and it can feel isolating to have a rare condition. Did you know that President John F Kennedy had Addison's disease? Explore our 'Famous Lives' page.