Causes
1.Primary adrenal insufficiency-Failure to produce adequate levels of cortisol due to disorder of the adrenal glands themselves.
a.Tuberculosis (TB), an infection which can destroy the adrenal glands.
Less common causes of primary adrenal insufficiency are:
b.chronic infection, mainly fungal infections
c.cancer cells spreading from other parts of the body to the adrenal glands
d.surgical removal of the adrenal glands
2.Secondary adrenal insufficiency- Failure to produce adequate levels of cortisol due to inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland.
This form of adrenal insufficiency is much more common than primary adrenal insufficiency.
Less commonly, adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland either decreases in size or stops producing ACTH.
These events can result from:
a.tumors or infections of the area
b.loss of blood flow to the pituitary
c.radiation for the treatment of pituitary tumors
d.surgical removal of parts of the hypothalamus
e.surgical removal of the pituitary gland
Related Links :
Symptoms for Addison's Disease
Treatment
for Addison's Disease
Homeopathic Treatment for Addison's Disease