What is the lack of cortisol?

Cortisol deficiency is when a person does not have enough hormone in the body, cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located at the top of the kidneys and help the body handle stress, among other things. This deficiency may indicate adrenal failure or non -functional pituitary gland. It is a potentially serious problem with different symptoms. In the most serious cases, this can lead to collapse or even death. After diagnosis, treatment will usually consist of medicines and monitoring. Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar along with other hormones such as insulin. It also helps to control the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Another function of cortisol is that it helps the body effectively fight stress. Cortisol also plays a role in checking blood pressure and circulation.

Normal symptoms of cortisol deficiency include dizziness, fatigue, low blood sugar, generalized weakness and weight loss. Several digestive symptoms include loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. MeLess less common complaints include depression, irritability, hair loss, increased sensitivity to cold and visual problems. Patients are unable to tolerate physical or mental stress, which can lead to episodes of even more serious symptoms such as sudden collapse.

Cortisol deficiency has several possible causes. One of them is Addison's disease, also known as primary hypoadrenalism. This condition is when the adrenal glands work properly. The failure of the gland is usually caused by damage and scarring caused by the immune system that attacks the adrenal glands from the inside for unknown reasons. This is considered to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune system produces an antibodies that attack the bark or the adrenal layer instead of attacking a virus or bacteria.

Another cause of cortisol deficiency is ACTH deficiency or secondary hypoadrenalism. This happens whoThe pituitary does not create enough adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH. ACTH deficiency can cause adrenal disorders as a secondary effect, as ACTH includes cortisol production part of the task. This may be caused by pituitary diseases; Or another possible cause is the use of steroid preparations of the patient. When steroid creams, tablets or other patterns are used, the body can be deceived to stop the production of their own natural steroids, because they think they are already present and others are unnecessary.

doctors can diagnose cortisol deficiency using a simple blood test. After diagnosis, further exploration is often necessary to determine the basic cause. If cortisol deficiency is caused by the use of steroids, it will allow cortisol levels to recover and return to normal. For other causes, treatment is usually based on the use of drugs to replace the missing cortisol, usually steroid as a hydrocortisone that mimics the function of cortisol in the body. Medication along with the rightMonitoring often helps the patient to feel quickly improvement and maintain their health.