Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency are often vague and nonspecific. They may emerge slowly, first appearing during times of stress, then increasing in intensity over a period of several months. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased body hair
- Dehydration, with Addison disease
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dizziness and fainting
- Fatigue or extreme weakness
- Hyperpigmentation, with Addison disease - dark patches of skin, especially in the folds of the skin; sometime black freckles on the forehead and face and/or discoloration around areas such as the nipples, lips, and rectum
- Joint and muscle aches
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Hypoglycemia
- Muscle weakness
- Salt craving, with Addison disease
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Since the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are gradual and non-specific, people may ignore them until they suddenly worsen into a severe condition called an adrenal crisis. About 25% of the time, adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed during an adrenal crisis (also called an Addisonian crisis). This crisis may be caused by a period of increased stress, trauma, surgery, or a severe infection. If left untreated, it can be fatal. In an adrenal crisis, the signs and symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Kidney failure
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Severe pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration
- Shock
