The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Hypoadrenalism includes the 23 symptoms listed below:
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Profound weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, dehydration, high fever followed by hypothermia, vascular collapse, renal shutdown, coma
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Adrenal hypofunction typically produces such effects as weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and various GI disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and chronic diarrhea. When primary, the disorder usually causes a conspicuous bronze coloration of the skin. The patient appears to be deeply suntanned, especially in the creases of the hands and over the metacarpophalangeal joints, the elbows, and the knees. He may also exhibit a darkening of scars, areas of vitiligo (absence of pigmentation), and increased pigmentation of the mucous membranes, especially the buccal mucosa. Abnormal skin and mucous membrane coloration results from decreased secretion of cortisol (one of the glucocorticoids), which causes the pituitary gland to simultaneously secrete excessive amounts of corticotropin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
Associated cardiovascular abnormalities in adrenal hypofunction include orthostatic hypotension, decreased cardiac size and output, and a weak, irregular pulse. Other clinical effects include decreased tolerance for even minor stress, poor coordination, fasting hypoglycemia (due to decreased gluconeogenesis), and a craving for salty food. Adrenal hypofunction may also retard axillary and pubic hair growth in females, decrease the libido (from decreased androgen production) and, in severe cases, cause amenorrhea.
Secondary adrenal hypofunction produces similar clinical effects but without hyperpigmentation because corticotropin and MSH levels are low. Because aldosterone secretion may continue at fairly normal levels in secondary adrenal hypofunction, this condition doesn’t necessarily cause accompanying hypotension and electrolyte abnormalities.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Signs and symptoms vary with the type of adrenal hypofunction.
Addison’s disease typically produces weakness, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Asthenia (constant fatigue) is the cardinal symptom, most evident in times of stress.
The disorder also usually causes a conspicuous bronze coloration of the skin. The patient appears to be deeply suntanned, especially in the creases of the hands and over the metacarpophalangeal joints, the elbows, and the knees. He also may exhibit a darkening of scars, areas of vitiligo (absence of pigmentation), and increased pigmentation of the mucous membranes, especially the buccal mucosa. Such abnormal skin and mucous membrane coloration results from decreased secretion of cortisol (a glucocorticoid), which causes the pituitary gland to simultaneously secrete excessive amounts of corticotropin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
Associated cardiovascular abnormalities include orthostatic hypotension, decreased cardiac size and output, and a weak, irregular pulse.
Other signs and symptoms include decreased tolerance for even minor stress, fasting hypoglycemia (due to decreased gluconeogenesis), and a craving for salty food due to decreased mineralocorticoid secretion, which normally causes salt retention.
GENDER INFLUENCE: In women with adrenal hypofunction, androgen levels are low, though they may be treated with daily replacement of 25 to 50 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone to improve quality of life and skeletal density. Also, axillary and pubic hair may be decreased due to loss of adrenal androgens. Secondary hypofunction produces signs and symptoms similar to those of primary hypofunction but without hyperpigmentation because corticotropin and MSH levels are low. Because aldosterone secretion may continue at fairly normal levels in those with secondary adrenal hypofunction, this condition doesn’t necessarily cause accompanying hypotension and electrolyte abnormalities.
Besides producing profound weakness, adrenal crisis also causes fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, dehydration and, occasionally, high fever followed by hypothermia. If untreated, this condition can ultimately lead to vascular collapse, renal shutdown, coma, and death.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
When considering symptoms of Hypoadrenalism, it is also important to consider Hypoadrenalism as a possible cause of other medical conditions.
The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Hypoadrenalism may cause:
Adrenal hypofunction:
Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)
Primary hypofunction
Secondary hypofunction
Adrenal crisis
Hypoadrenalism as a Cause of Symptoms or Medical Conditions
- (Source - Diseases Database)
These general reference articles may be of interest in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
The symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Hypoadrenalism. This signs and symptoms information for Hypoadrenalism has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Hypoadrenalism signs or Hypoadrenalism symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Hypoadrenalism may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Hypoadrenalism symptoms.
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