Secondary adrenal insufficiency

Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland, which signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, doesn’t release enough of this hormone. This can happen due to pituitary disorders, surgery, or long-term steroid use suppressing signal production. As a result, the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and weight loss. Unlike primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), the adrenal glands themselves are usually healthy, but they don’t receive proper signals from the pituitary to make cortisol. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy to restore normal cortisol levels.