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What is Cortisol Deficiency?

J.M. Densing
J.M. Densing

Cortisol deficiency is when a person does not have enough of an important hormone, cortisol, in the body. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys and help the body handle stress among other functions. This deficiency can indicate malfunctioning adrenal glands, or a malfunctioning pituitary gland. It's a potentially serious problem, with a variety of symptoms. In the most severe cases it can lead to collapse or even death. Once diagnosed, treatment will usually consist of medication and monitoring.

The hormone cortisol has several vital functions in the human body and it acts as a naturally occurring steroid. Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels, along with other hormones such as insulin. It also helps to control the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Another function of cortisol is it helps the body to effectively combat stress. Cortisol also plays a role in controlling blood pressure and circulation.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands.

Common symptoms of a cortisol deficiency include dizziness, fatigue, low blood sugar, generalized weakness and weight loss. A few digestive symptoms include loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Slightly less common complaints include depression, irritability, hair loss, increased sensitivity to cold, and vision problems. Patients are unable to tolerate physical or mental stress, which can lead to episodes of even more severe symptoms, such as sudden collapse.

Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause weight loss.
Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause weight loss.

Cortisol deficiency has several possible causes. One is Addison's disease, also known as primary hypoadrenalism. This condition is when there is a failure of the adrenal glands to function properly. The glands' failure is usually due to damage and scarring caused by the immune system attacking the adrenal glands from within for unknown reasons. This is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system produces antibodies that attack the adrenal glands' cortex or outer layer instead of attacking a virus or bacteria.

Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause cold intolerance.
Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause cold intolerance.

Another cause of cortisol deficiency is ACTH deficiency, or secondary hypoadrenalism. This occurs when the pituitary gland is not producing enough of adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Lack of ACTH can cause adrenal gland malfunctions as a secondary effect, because part of the job of ACTH is to signal cortisol production. This can be caused by diseases of the pituitary; or another possible cause is the use of steroid preparations by the patient. When steroid creams, tablets or other formulas are used the body can be tricked into stopping production of its own natural steroids because it thinks they are already present and more are unnecessary.

A blood test may be conducted to determine a cortisol deficiency.
A blood test may be conducted to determine a cortisol deficiency.

Doctors can diagnose cortisol deficiency with a simple blood test. Upon diagnosis further investigation is often necessary to determine the underlying cause. If the cortisol deficiency is caused by steroid use, discontinuing use will often allow the cortisol levels to recover and return to normal. For other causes, treatment usually consists of taking medication to replace the missing cortisol, usually a steroid like hydrocortisone that mimics cortisol's function in the body. Medication along with proper monitoring will often help the patient feel improvement quickly, and maintain their health.

Discussion Comments

anon1005086

I had low blood pressure for quite some time, like 80/50, etc. Finally this started to shut down my kidneys. When you get anemia (lack of red blood cells) you're in kidney failure, and your kidneys can't handle low blood pressure from low cortisol you need a replacement right away, IV or pills, depending how bad it is. See an endocrinologist.

anon998181

I've mentioned cold hands and feet to Doctors over many years I've never heard one of them even suggest that it could be due to low cortisol levels. I'll ask to be tested on my next visit. Thanks for the article!

anon957202

My granddaughter's adrenal glands are dead, so she has to have cortisol and keeps a back up shot with her. She is now pregnant with her first child, so she requires more than before. She is running out before her script is due and ending up in the hospital a lot because the doctors are being very sloppy with her care.

She turns bright red and passes out, which is bad for her and her baby. This happens if she doesn't take it when she needs it and she doesn't get hungry.

It is so sad to see her to have to beg for the medicine that keeps her alive. Oh, and she doesn't sleep, either, whereas the right dose of medicine seems to help her eat and sleep. She is such a tiny little thing.

bear78

I had low cortisol a few years ago. I don't know how, but it resolved itself. I took medications for a short while and my adrenal glands returned to their normal function soon after.

turquoise

@MikeMason-- I don't have Addison's disease but I have cortisol deficiency due to steroid use. I was on steroids for a long time for colon inflammation. I didn't know that steroids mimic the cortisol hormone in the body and cause the body to reduce its own cortisol production. But that's what happened with me.

So when my doctor took me off of steroids, I developed a cortisol deficiency and have been suffering from headaches, fatigue, edema, pain, sleep problems and nausea.

The annoying part is that I'm supposed to just wait for my body to start producing cortisol again. This is the only treatment for my condition so I basically have to deal with these symptoms for a while.

stoneMason

My sister has Addison's disease. Her cortisol deficiency gives her lots of problems but the major one is lack of sleep. Without medications, she only gets a few hours of sleep every three days. But since she started taking cortisol medication, she is able to get a few hours every day. But it's usually morning by the time she falls asleep.

She has a bunch of other issues relating to cortisol deficiency but she feels that if her sleep patterns go back to normal, her fatigue, aches and pains and depression will lessen.

Does anyone else here have sleep problems due to adrenal fatigue and cortisol deficiency? Have you found anything that helps you?

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    • Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands.
    • Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause weight loss.
      By: Lsantilli
      Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause weight loss.
    • Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause cold intolerance.
      By: Nosvos
      Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may cause cold intolerance.
    • A blood test may be conducted to determine a cortisol deficiency.
      By: science photo
      A blood test may be conducted to determine a cortisol deficiency.
    • A cortisol deficiency can cause stomach pain.
      By: Julija Sapic
      A cortisol deficiency can cause stomach pain.
    • Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may induce fatigue and low blood sugar.
      By: Alliance
      Insufficient levels of cortisol in the body may induce fatigue and low blood sugar.
    • Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels, along with other hormones such as insulin.
      By: spline_x
      Cortisol helps to regulate blood sugar levels, along with other hormones such as insulin.
    • Symptoms of a cortisol deficiency may include irritability and depression.
      By: Barbara Helgason
      Symptoms of a cortisol deficiency may include irritability and depression.
    • Hair loss is a symptom of cortisol deficiency.
      By: diego cervo
      Hair loss is a symptom of cortisol deficiency.
    • The body has two adrenal glands that when properly functioning release hormones -- such as cortisol -- that help regulate metabolism, physical development and stress.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      The body has two adrenal glands that when properly functioning release hormones -- such as cortisol -- that help regulate metabolism, physical development and stress.