Be sure to read our page Understanding Adrenal Insufficiency.
Below you will find some of the conditions which can or do cause adrenal insufficiency. We’ve also listed some conditions which our members have reported often accompany their adrenal insufficiency.
There are approximately 60 conditions which can or do cause adrenal insufficiency so we have only listed a few. Our list of confirmed conditions grows as we find more affected by adrenal insufficiency.
As you read and research on our site or others it’s important to note that Addison’s Disease is often referred to as primary adrenal insufficiency. We know this causes some confusion for many of you, but if you have AI but not Addison’s don’t overlook those articles. More often than not what you read will be relevant and helpful. Always check with your physician before making any changes and be careful of “self diagnosis”.
Addison's Disease
Adrenoleukodystrophy
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) are important potential underlying diseases to consider in boys and men with primary idiopathic (unexplained) adrenal failure/Addison’s Disease where adrenal antibodies cannot be detected and there is no other obvious cause of adrenal failure. Link between ALD and AI.
ALD is responsible for about 1/3 of all cases of juvenile adrenal insufficiency. ALD is a rare, debilitating neurological disease that leads to childhood death in about a third of patients. Often, one of the first symptoms is adrenal insufficiency. Screening patients presenting with adrenal insufficiency (especially juvenile ones) for ALD could be significantly increase the correct diagnosis of this disease. Sanjay S.P. Magavi, Ph.D.
Visit ALD Connect for more information.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Craniopharyngioma
Cushing's
From MedlinePlus.gov: Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a high level of the hormone cortisol. Cushing disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland is an organ of the endocrine system.
Read more from the Mayo Clinic.
Diabetes Insipidus
Hashimoto's
Hypopituitarism and Panhypopituitarism
From Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center The pituitary is a small gland located at the base of the brain. It is referred to as the “master gland” because it controls many hormones. The pituitary produces hormones that are needed for normal body functions.
When you do not have two or more of the pituitary hormones, it is known as hypopituitarism (hahy-poh-pi-too-i-tuh-riz-uh m). The lack of all pituitary hormones is known as panhypopituitarism.
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Pituitary Tumors or other Pituitary Problems
Contact the Pituitary Network Association who’s mission is to support, pursue, encourage, promote and where possible, fund research on pituitary disorders in a sustained and full-time effort to find a cure for these illnesses. The PNA will disseminate information helpful to the medical community, the public and to pituitary patients and their families on matters regarding early detection, symptoms, treatments and resources available to patients with pituitary disease.
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Proopiomelanocortin deficiency
Sheehan’s Syndrome
Use of Steroids
Thyroid Conditions
Endocrine Web A website with a huge amount of information on endocrine disorders with a focus Thyroid conditions.
Hypothyroid: At first glance this article will appear dense. If you’re having issues with your thyroid though, you owe it to yourself to scroll half way down the page to the summary. It points out the proper way to assess thyroid function and the many factors that may skew results.
This article explains the possible consequence of taking this thyroid medication without proper adrenal support.