In order to hopefully treat and prevent recurrence of adrenal insufficiency we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow adrenal insufficiency to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind adrenal insufficiency consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Tuberculosis | 92% | Confirm |
Autoimmune Tendency | 12% | Unlikely |
Stress | 5% | Ruled out |
HIV/AIDS | 2% | Ruled out |
Hypopituitarism | 1% | Ruled out |
Have you suffered from Adrenal Insufficiency?
Possible responses:
→ Uncertain / don't know→ No, lab tests have confirmed normal function → It is a suspected problem → Yes, a lab test has confirmed it → I have confirmed Addison's Disease |
When Dr. Thomas Addison first described this disease in London in 1855, the most common cause was tuberculosis. This remained the leading cause until the middle of the twentieth century when antibiotics progressively reduced TB's incidence. TB is nevertheless still a possible cause.
In general, diagnosis and treatment endocrine issues in HIV patients is no different from non-HIV patients. However, HIV can cause reactive changes in pituitary and adrenal function, as can many HIV medications.
When a person is stressed, their adrenal glands produce stress hormones. Over time, the adrenals can eventually become exhausted, causing adrenal insufficiency.