Autoimmune Addison's disease is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency. This is an autoimmune condition where the body's own immune system attacks the adrenal glands, resulting in the destruction of these glands and their hormone-producing cells, which can lead to a lack of hormones being produced, including cortisol and aldosterone. When these hormones are not produced, it can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, weakness, low blood pressure, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.
In addition to Addison's disease, other autoimmune conditions can also cause adrenal insufficiency. These include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. In these conditions, the body's own immune system attacks the adrenal glands, resulting in a lack of hormone production and the associated symptoms.
Regardless of the cause, the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is made through blood testing to measure the levels of cortisol and aldosterone in the blood. Treatment involves taking hormone replacement medications to replace the lack of cortisol and aldosterone, as well as addressing the underlying autoimmune condition if it is present.