The Major Hormones Affected by Adrenal Insufficiency

The adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys and make two hormones that can impact adrenal insufficiency: cortisol and aldosterone.

Cortisol is a hormone involved in your stress response, and it also helps to regulate your body’s metabolism. Low coritsol levels can cause a set of symptoms that include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and joint pain.

Aldosterone is a hormone that helps to maintain your body’s salt and water levels, which plays a part in regulating blood pressure. People with low aldosterone may feel lightheaded, dizzy, fatigued and have low blood pressure.

When someone has adrenal insufficiency, they may have low coritsol levels, low aldosterone or both. 

What exactly is adrenal insufficiency? Is it the same as adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal insufficiency is an endocrine -- or hormonal -- disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and do not produce enough of certain hormones. Unfortunately, the disease is often misdiagnosed. (National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases). 

Endocronologist, Theodore C. Friedman, MD, PhD, is a hormone know-it-all. In this segment, he thoroughly describes the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and also explains the difference between adrenal insufficiency and adrenal fatigue.