Adrenal Insufficiency: What It Is and How to Manage It

Ever felt unusually tired, dizzy, or craving salty foods for no clear reason? Those could be clues that your adrenal glands aren’t making enough cortisol. This condition, often called adrenal insufficiency or Addison’s disease, means the body can’t cope with stress as it should.

In most cases the problem starts because the glands themselves are damaged (primary adrenal insufficiency) or because the pituitary gland isn’t sending the right signal (secondary adrenal insufficiency). Autoimmune attacks, infections, or long‑term steroid use are common triggers. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: low hormone levels that keep you feeling wiped out.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms creep up slowly, so you might dismiss them as everyday fatigue. Typical signs include:

• Persistent weakness and muscle aches
• Darkening of the skin, especially on scars or pressure points
• Unexplained weight loss
• Craving salty foods or feeling low on sodium
• Dizziness or fainting when you stand up quickly
• Low blood pressure that doesn’t improve with coffee
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

If you notice several of these together, it’s worth talking to a doctor. A simple blood test for cortisol and ACTH levels can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options and Everyday Tips

The mainstay of treatment is hormone replacement. Doctors prescribe hydrocortisone, prednisone, or dexamethasone to fill the cortisol gap. You’ll usually take a higher dose in the morning and a smaller one in the afternoon to mimic the body’s natural rhythm.

Beyond medication, a few lifestyle tweaks keep you stable:

• Carry an emergency steroid injection kit in case you get sick or face sudden stress.
• Stay hydrated and add a pinch of salt to meals if you’re prone to low blood pressure.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet that mentions adrenal insufficiency.
• Don’t skip meals; regular eating helps maintain blood sugar.
• Listen to your body—rest when you feel fatigued instead of pushing through.

Regular follow‑up visits are key. Your doctor will adjust dosages based on how you feel, any infections you pick up, or changes in weight. Never stop steroids abruptly; tapering is essential to avoid an adrenal crisis.

Adrenal insufficiency can feel overwhelming, but with the right medication and simple daily habits, you can get back to a normal routine. Keep an eye on symptoms, stay in touch with your healthcare team, and give your body the support it needs to handle stress without crashing.