When your adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. Also known as Addison's disease, it can sneak up quietly—or hit like a storm. Most people don’t realize their fatigue, dizziness, or nausea aren’t just "being tired"—they’re signs your body is running on empty. Cortisol isn’t just a stress hormone; it’s your body’s fuel for basic functions like blood pressure, blood sugar, and immune response. Without it, even a simple cold can turn dangerous.
There are two main types: primary, where the adrenal glands themselves are damaged (often from autoimmune disease), and secondary, where the pituitary gland fails to signal the adrenals to make cortisol. Addison's disease, the most common form of primary adrenal insufficiency affects about 1 in 100,000 people. But secondary adrenal insufficiency is more common, especially in people who’ve taken steroids for months or years and then stopped suddenly. That’s why doctors warn against quitting prednisone or hydrocortisone cold turkey—it can trigger an adrenal crisis, a life-threatening drop in blood pressure, severe vomiting, and confusion. If you’ve been on steroids and feel weak, nauseous, or lightheaded, don’t wait—get help.
People with adrenal insufficiency need daily steroid replacement, usually hydrocortisone or prednisone. But it’s not just about taking pills. You need to adjust doses during illness, injury, or surgery—even a bad flu can require doubling your dose. Many don’t know this. Others carry emergency injectable hydrocortisone because they’ve been told: if you can’t swallow, if you’re vomiting, if you’re collapsing—give yourself the shot. It’s not optional. It’s survival.
You’ll see posts here about how adrenal insufficiency overlaps with other conditions—like autoimmune disorders, medication interactions, and even how switching to generics can affect hormone levels. Some stories are from people who were misdiagnosed for years. Others are about what to do when your doctor dismisses your symptoms as "anxiety." This isn’t theoretical. These are real cases where people learned the hard way: adrenal insufficiency doesn’t wait. It doesn’t care if you’re busy. It shows up when you least expect it. What follows are guides, warnings, and practical advice from people who’ve been there—and from the experts who help them stay alive.
Addison’s disease is a life-threatening condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce cortisol and aldosterone. Lifelong steroid replacement, emergency protocols, and patient education are essential for survival. Learn the signs, treatments, and daily management strategies.