Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland cannot produce enough adrenocorticotropin hormone. It can be caused by brain injuries, medications, surgeries, or medical conditions. Symptoms include dizziness, joint pain, and weight loss. Treatment includes prescribed medications and hormone replacement therapy.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition that occurs when the pituitary gland is unable to produce enough of the hormone known as adrenocorticotropin hormone, or ACTH. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland that sits at the base of the brain and is responsible for producing and secreting many of the hormones used by the body. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, surgical procedures, or a variety of other medical conditions. Possible symptoms of secondary adrenal insufficiency include dizziness, joint pain, and weight loss. Treatment for secondary adrenal insufficiency typically includes the use of prescribed medications, and intravenous therapy may be necessary in some cases.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency can have several causes. Traumatic injuries involving the brain can damage the pituitary gland and lead to this problem. Medications can sometimes be the cause, especially among those who have been on long-term treatment with steroid medications. Surgical procedures involving the brain or pituitary can lead to decreased hormone levels, often resulting in secondary adrenal insufficiency. Medical conditions such as blood infections or HIV can increase your risks of developing secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Common symptoms of secondary adrenal insufficiency include dizziness, weakness, and pale skin. Digestive disturbances such as nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps can lead to a loss of appetite and weight. Joint pain, tremors, and excessive sweating can also occur in those who have this medical condition. Some patients report a loss of sexual desire and men can suffer from varying degrees of erectile dysfunction. Hair loss and depression can also become problems among those suffering from this type of pituitary disorder.
Steroid drugs are often used to treat secondary adrenal insufficiency. Many patients will need to take these medications for the rest of their lives and it is vitally important that these steroid medications are taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Hormone replacement therapy is often effective in treating this condition, as it helps replace hormones that are no longer produced naturally. Intravenous therapy is done by temporarily inserting a small tube into a vein so that drugs can be safely administered directly into the bloodstream. This method of treatment is typically given in a hospital setting, although it may be possible to do so in a doctor’s office in some cases.
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