AI Training Guide for School Personnel
Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Disease)
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make enough of the hormone cortisol. You have two adrenal glands. They are located just above the kidneys. They work with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain. Cortisol helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in your body. It also controls blood pressure and affects how your immune system works.
Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary:
Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary:
- Primary adrenal insufficiency. This is known as Addison's disease. It occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged. They don’t make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. This condition is rare. It may occur at any age.
- Secondary adrenal insufficiency. This starts when the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough of the hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotropin). As a result the adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol.