Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is an important source of potentially life-threatening human disease. Defects at each level of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis can yield impaired adrenal function that results in variable degrees of glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid deficiency. In this chapter, we describe the physiology and regulation of adrenal steroid action, followed by presentation of mechanisms of primary, secondary, and tertiary adrenal insufficiency. The components of establishing a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency along with its causation are summarized. Current pharmacological and psychosocial therapeutic interventions for disorders of impaired adrenal function conclude the overview.